Authors

  1. Davis, Carol M.

Article Content

Background & Purpose: Myofascial release is a manual therapeutic technique used to release fascial restrictions, which may cause neuromusculoskeletal and systemic pathology. This case report describes the changes in pain, range of motion, fatigue, and gastrointestinal tract function experienced in a subject with a primary diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis using energy-based myofascial release techniques. Case Description: A 54-year-old female realtor presented with signs and symptoms attributed to rheumatoid arthritis. Comorbid symptoms included cervical disc degeneration, pain, numbness in two fingers on her right hand, fatigue, swelling in her left knee, and explosive diarrhea secondary to irritable bowel syndrome. Six energy-based myofascial release treatment sessions were provided over a two-week period by an experienced myofascial release physical therapist and two trained research assistants. Each treatment session was performed for 45 minutes and consisted of several techniques including, but not limited to, manual cervical traction, transverse plane releases, arm and leg pulls, and cross hand techniques. Pre and post measurements were taken with each treatment. Prior to and following the first, third, and sixth treatments, range of motion and sensation were objectively measured. At the start of treatment sessions, the subject also recorded changes in pain (VAS), fatigue (VAS), quality of life, and gastrointestinal tract function (by report). Further post-treatment evaluations were taken two weeks following the last treatment and again three weeks later. Outcomes: When compared to the initial evaluation, the subject showed improvements in systemic pain (pre: 4.8/10, post: 0.4/10), cervical pain (pre: 3.6/10, post: 0.3/10), cervical range of motion, and quality of life. In addition, the subject reported significant improvements in fatigue (mean pre: 3.8/10, mean post: 0.0/10) and complete alleviation of gastrointestinal symptoms. The subject continued to maintain positive gains for six weeks following the final treatment; however, over a stressful weekend, her symptoms returned to near baseline measurements. At this point, she received two additional treatments of energy-based myofascial release three days apart. Immediately following these two treatments, the trend toward similar levels of subjective and objective gains were achieved once again. Discussion: In a subject with rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and cervical disc degeneration, the evidence suggests that the application of energy-based myofascial release techniques provided short term and long term improvements in pain, fatigue, range of motion, quality of life, and gastrointestinal tract function.