The proliferation of complementary/alternative practitioners, both within and outside of the established health care systems, is evidence of dissatisfaction with the orthodox medical approach. In general, modern (orthodox) medicine has focused on treating illness rather than promoting wellness and preventing disease. In contrast, much of the focus of CAM is directed toward promoting wellness and preventing disease, without the use of drugs or surgery (Fritz, 2004; Jahnke, 1985) and detoxification (Cassar, 1999). Although these techniques are popular, they are not without risk. Many of the complementary/alternative techniques produce their beneficial outcomes by invoking a reflex autonomic effect. It is important to note that when autonomic responses are elicited—for example, with connective tissue massage (CTM), acupressure, shiatsu, reflexology, trigger point, and myofascial techniques—problems can arise. Although most techniques are perfectly safe, contraindications need to be taken seriously. These may include pregnancy, serious cardiopulmonary conditions, and psychological problems such as panic disorder. The safe and effective practice of any of the complementary/alternative therapies requires proper training and certification where appropriate.

A large and varied group of individuals practices the bodywork therapies. Many of them are established health care professionals, such as physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and many others. These professionals have incorporated complementary/alternative techniques into their daily practice in an effort to broaden the treatment options available for their patients. In other cases, the practitioner may simply specialize in one type of treatment (e.g., reflexology). In all situations, it is in the patient’s best interest to carefully research and discuss all of the potential treatment options available. Once a particular treatment option has been determined, choosing a well-qualified and appropriately certified therapist becomes extremely important. One need only search the Internet for a short time to realize the enormous number of complementary/alternative therapies being advertised. More importantly, there are very few regulations governing the content or claims made on some of these web sites. Misleading claims and incorrect information are unfortunately quite common.

A key principle in many of the treatment concepts listed earlier is the idea of balancing various body systems. Although this notion has its roots in ancient Chinese philosophy, it has an important modern-day equivalent. Here the emphasis is placed on the proper integration of body systems, both within a system and from one system to another. For example, this concept has well-known parallels in the proper regulation of autonomic functions. In this case, the proper balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity results in the efficient functioning of the digestive system (balancing within the system). This in turn contributes to the proper functioning of the whole body, leading to wellness, and a well body is less prone to disease and dysfunction.

Many of the complementary/alternative therapies incorporate soft tissue manipulation techniques (massage) as a major part of their practice (Westland, 1996), especially to counterbalance the negative effects of gravity on the body. The ever-present force of gravity coupled with aging and a stressful modern lifestyle place a significant burden on the musculoskeletal system in just about everyone. Muscles, tendons, fascia, joint capsules, and ligaments often become tight (shortened), resulting in postural malalignment and movement dysfunction. The net result is often chronic pain and a host of other physical and psychological symptoms. In contrast, many of these issues can be significantly reduced, if not eliminated, by restoring the correct structural integrity (valance) to the affected body system(s). This concept will be a familiar theme in many of the treatment systems described in this chapter and Chapter 17.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUES

Myofascial release is a relatively new concept in the larger picture of Western medical thought; however, techniques similar to it can be found in classical Eastern health and medical writings. As its name suggests, the techniques of myofascial release refer to a specialized system of prolonged manual stretching of the fascial tissues of the body, to the point where there is a release of tension. This release of tension is felt by the therapist and implies a slight lengthening of the fascial tissues (J.F. Barnes, 1997; M.F. Barnes, 1997a; M.F. Barnes, 1997b). It should be emphasized that the stretching technique is a subtle one. Tension is applied slowly and gently and is released in a similar manner. There is some evidence to suggest that fascia may have an ability to contract in a way similar to smooth muscle, and, if so, it may have the ability to relax and thereby lengthen (Schleip et al., 2005).

Fascia is a much-neglected tissue of the body, often being thought of as simply a connective tissue scaffolding associated with muscles and tendons. In fact, it is an extremely important whole-body network, on a par with the vascular or nervous system. Fascial tissue does indeed provide a scaffold-like net to every type of tissue in the body, even down to the extracellular level. As such, the fascial system connects all parts of the body together with a continuous web of tissue. There is a tradition of describing different body systems in a particular order. For example, there is a tendency to think of the bony skeleton as the foundation of the body, with all the other structures attached to it or contained by it. Alternatively, bones can be rightly considered as rigid spacers entrapped in a fascial net. One might imagine a classic circus tent, where the canvas material and rigging are held up by the giant wooden masts. Without the tent poles, the material of the tent has no defined shape and will not function properly on its own.

Fascia is a type of connective tissue that has three layers: superficial, potential space, and deep. It has important biomechanical properties and greatly assists in maintaining muscle force. The interconnectedness of the fascial system throughout the body is extremely important, because many acute and chronic musculoskeletal problems have their origins in this tissue. Excessive strain, poor ergonomic environments, trauma, and abnormal postural alignment are among the common causes of strain of the fascial system. This strain leads to a type of contracture (tightness), which in turn causes pain and restricted movements. In fact, a host of symptoms can be caused in many different body parts as the long-term result of restricted fascial movement. Whereas a fasciotomy to release tight fascia can result in a 15% loss of muscle strength, myofascial release techniques reduce constriction and pain without compromising muscle strength (Manheim, 2001). Symptomatic relief of the pain produced by this situation obviously will not cure the underlying tightness somewhere in the fascia. A treatment technique that is directly applied to the fascia is likely to be more effective at producing a long-term solution. For example, myofascial release techniques, in conjunction with trigger point stimulation, can be extremely important to the long-term success of therapy because the fascia tightens and shortens with inflammation (as the potential space swells), heals slowly (because of a poor blood supply), and is a pain focus (because of its abundant nerve supply).

Assessment

Myofascial release techniques cannot be effective unless they are applied following a detailed assessment of the patient. In addition to the more usual multisystem examination of the patient, a detailed assessment of the myofascial system is required. Visual assessment of the patient’s posture is essential in order to identify the areas where the fascial system is tight. This can be seen as postural asymmetry, sometimes obvious and at other times subtle. This cannot be done properly unless the patient is suitably undressed so that the surface features are clearly visible. These findings can be confirmed by palpation later in the procedure. Although a certain degree of postural asymmetry is normal, it is important to recognize when it is associated with the patient’s symptoms and when it is not.

Technique

The patient is comfortably positioned and well supported so that he or she is able to relax as much as possible. Typically, the patient will be in prone or supine lying on a treatment table. Once the therapist has identified the areas to be treated (from the assessment), his or her hands are gently but firmly placed on the skin surface. Once the hands are in the proper position, no movement occurs between the therapist’s hands and the underlying skin. For this reason, it is important for both the patient’s skin and the therapist’s skin to be clean and dry. No lubricant should be used.

A wide variety of specific techniques can be used, depending on the body part to be treated. For example, on the posterior trunk, the therapist’s hands can be placed flat on the patient’s back, whereas on the limbs, the therapist’s hands may lightly grasp around the patient’s tissues. Figure 16-1 illustrates these two different types of hand positions. There are, of course, many variations, depending on the areas to be treated.

Figure 16-1 Two Different Myofascial Release Techniques

A, The therapist’s hands are placed flat on the patient’s lower back. The therapist’s arms are crossed so that a stretching effect can be given to the underlying tissues. B, The patient’s wrist is lightly grasped with the upper limb in external rotation and elbow in full extension. Gentle traction is applied to the whole limb to produce a sustained lengthening effect.

In Figure 16-1, A, the therapist gradually applies pressure to the patient’s skin and underlying tissues while simultaneously stretching them apart. The therapist achieves this result by pushing his or her hands apart in opposite directions. The therapist’s right hand pushes toward the patient’s right hip while the therapist’s left hand applies pressure toward the patient’s left shoulder. Good body mechanics are essential during this technique, especially because it can take several minutes to complete. Wherever possible, the therapist should use his or her own body weight to provide the pressure needed during the technique. As the tissues are stretched, some movement (lengthening) will occur, but eventually, a block to further stretching will be felt. At this point, pressure is maintained for as long as it takes for the tissues to release the tension. The therapist will feel this release of tension as the resistance to the stretching gives. This can typically take anywhere from 90 to 120 seconds to happen, although sometimes it will occur sooner. As the tissue tension is released, the therapist’s hands remain in the same position but continue to apply a stretching tension at the new tissue length. In this manner, the tissues are stretched out as the therapist follows the releasing of the tissues. It may take several applications of tension to chase the tight areas of fascia in the tissues. Once again, it must be emphasized that the technique is a subtle one. Pressure is gentle but firm. The therapist’s hands are feeling their way into the tight areas.

Figure 16-1, B, illustrates a different technique. In this case, a gentle traction force is applied to the entire upper limb. As the limb elongates in a telescopic-like manner, a block to further movement is felt, at which point the tension is maintained until the tissues release. Further tension is applied at the new length. Once again, this process is repeated several times until a more normal tissue length has been achieved.

Myofascial release is a specialized technique, requiring proper training and experience. As with many other forms of soft tissue manipulation, it does not replace other rehabilitation procedures, but rather it compliments them in an important way. Myofascial release allows the tissues to return to their normal physiological state (or close to it) so that other techniques, such as therapeutic exercise and manual mobilization, can be maximally effective. Manheim (2001) has provided postural assessment methods and a detailed description of techniques of myofascial release. Other authors have provided a wide range of descriptions of the technique and its use (Mock, 1997a, 1997b, 1998; Morris, 1999: Shea & Keyworth, 1997; Stone, 2000; Whalen, 1999).

Although the exact mechanisms responsible for the effectiveness of myofascial release techniques have not been clearly identified, there are several possibilities. Although connective tissue has a certain degree of extensibility, it does not behave like an elastic band. The tensions placed on the fascia during myofascial release techniques are often relatively small and subtle. Once a significant degree of intertissue adhesion (contracture) has occurred, it is unlikely that these techniques can effectively restore a normal range of motion to the tissues. In this case, especially if significant deformity has occurred, a different approach is required. Stretching techniques are important; however, the tension needs to be continuous so as to provide a triggering mechanism for the connective tissue to increase in physiological length. Serial casting is an example of a technique that uses the concept of continuous tension to increase the range of tissue motion.

The role of myoglobin in myofascial pain and its dispersion (and associated pain relief) by massage techniques has been studied (Brendstrup et al., 1957; Danneskiold-Samsøe et al., 1982, 1986; Krusen et al., 1965; Simons, 1990). Ronald Melzack (1981) has reported on the similarity of the neural mechanisms involved in the relief of pain produced by acupuncture, acupressure, ice massage, and trigger point stimulation. This hyperstimulation analgesia is one of the oldest recorded remedies and should become a useful technique for relieving pain of musculoskeletal lesions, especially when chronic conditions have affected posture, gait, and other activities (Ehrett, 1988; Friction et al., 1985; Friedmann, 1989; Ingber, 1989; Kine & Warfield, 1986). The presence of type C nociceptors and adaptive shortening in the muscles and fascia contribute to the pain of chronic disorders (Reynolds, 1981; Rubin, 1981). Mobilization of peripheral nerves and manipulation (stretching and releasing) of the fascia that is continuous with nerve roots relieve pain and help to restore function (Cantu & Grodin, 2001).