- With Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist
David P. Martin, M.D., Ph.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
David P. Martin, M.D., Ph.D.
David P. Martin, M.D.
Dr. David Martin is board certified in anesthesiology by the American Board of Anesthesiology with advanced certification in pain medicine. He is a consultant in the Department of Anesthesiology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and an associate professor of anesthesiology at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic. Dr. Martin, a Cincinnati native, received his M.D. degree, and has a Ph.D. in neuroscience, from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
He has been with Mayo Clinic since 1993. Dr. Martin, who chaired Mayo Clinic's Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology from 1999 to 2001, is a member of the International Association for the Study of Pain, the American Pain Society, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Minnesota Society of Anesthesiologists and other professional groups. He has been published widely in the medical literature on pain management and related topics.
Causes (1)
- Tarlov cysts: A cause of low back pain?
Treatments and drugs (3)
- Disk replacement: An effective treatment for low back pain?
- Epidural steroid injections for back pain: Why limited dosing?
- Myofascial release therapy: Can it relieve back pain?
Lifestyle and home remedies (1)
- Back pain relief: Ergonomic chair or fitness ball?
Alternative medicine (3)
- Inversion therapy: Can it relieve back pain?
- Acupuncture for back pain?
- Prolotherapy: An effective treatment for low back pain?
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Question
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?
Answer
from David P. Martin, M.D., Ph.D.
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 may contribute to this tightness.
Although there is little scientific evidence that myofascial release therapy is effective, some people say this type of massage helps relieve their low back pain — at least temporarily. Some evidence suggests that this technique may be more effective for acute back pain than chronic back pain.
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.
Next questionBack pain relief: Ergonomic chair or fitness ball?
- Oesch PR, et al. Components of physical medicine and rehabilitation in rheumatic disease in relation to international classification of functioning, disability and health. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders Co.; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/179936672-5/0/1807/452.html?tocnode=55732718&fromURL=452.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3285-4..10064-6--s0090_2181. Accessed Jan. 25, 2010.
- Bonakdar RA. Myofascial pain syndrome. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/179936672-5/943798443/1494/109.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50066-1--cesec10_3256. Accessed Jan. 25, 2010.
- Making treatment decisions: Myofascial release. American Cancer Society. http://www.acsevents.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Myofascial_Release.asp. Accessed Jan. 25, 2010.
- Kohatsu W. Low back pain. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/179936672-5/943798443/1494/110.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50067-3--cesec33_3302. Accessed Jan. 25, 2010.
- Martin DP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 28, 2010.
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