Myofascial release therapy: Can it relieve back pain?

What can you tell me about myofascial release therapy as a treatment for back pain? Does it work?

- Diane / Illinois

Mayo Clinic neurologist Jerry Swanson, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Myofascial release is a form of massage therapy that uses sustained pressure to loosen or release tightness in connective tissues (fascia). It is thought that tightness within the fascia causes restriction of muscle and other tissues, resulting in back pain and loss of motion. Injuries, stress, inflammation, trauma and poor posture supposedly contribute to this tightness.

These myofascial restrictions can't be detected with standard medical imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs. In addition, there have been no published trials that have evaluated myofascial release as a treatment for chronic back pain. For these reasons, myofascial release therapy is not well accepted in the medical community. However, many physical therapists and massage therapists use such techniques, and anecdotal evidence suggests that myofascial release therapy may relieve pain in some people.

If you've been told that myofascial release therapy may be helpful for your back pain, consult a therapist who has training in such techniques. As with many other treatments for chronic back pain, myofascial release may benefit some people but not all.