In 2021, Ożóg, et. al., conducted study about Chronic low-back pain (CLBP) which poses a significant challenge globally, with lumbosacral dysfunctions and associated pain syndromes being prevalent. Emerging research suggests a potential role of thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) dysfunction in contributing to CLBP, with increased muscle resting activity observed in the TLF region of individuals with CLBP. Myofascial release (MFR) has emerged as a therapeutic option for addressing CLBP by enhancing soft tissue flexibility, reducing muscle activity, alleviating pain, and improving functional performance.

This study aimed to investigate alterations in the resting activity of specific muscles within the TLF following a single session of MFR in individuals with CLBP. The assessment included immediate effects post-treatment and sustained effects one month after the intervention.

A total of 113 participants with CLBP were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 59), receiving a single session of MFR therapy, or the control group (n = 54) without any therapeutic intervention. Surface electromyography was employed to quantify treatment effects immediately after the therapy (experimental group) and one month post-intervention (both experimental and control groups).

Significant reductions in the activity of the erector spinae (ES) and multifidus muscles (MF) were observed following a single MFR session. These positive effects were evident both immediately after the therapy and maintained one month post-intervention.

The findings indicate that a single MFR treatment effectively decreases resting activity levels in the ES and MF muscles among individuals with CLBP. Moreover, the sustained therapeutic effects, as confirmed by measurements one month later, underscore the potential for MFR as a valuable intervention in managing CLBP. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of MFR in addressing musculoskeletal issues, providing clinicians and patients with valuable insights into non-invasive therapeutic options for chronic low-back pain.

Reference: Ożóg, P., Weber-Rajek, M., Radzimińska, A., & Goch, A. (2021). Analysis of muscle activity following the application of myofascial release techniques for low-back pain—a randomized-controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(18), 4039.