Effects of myofascial release technique in patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy: A single blind-randomized clinical trial

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the myofascial release technique in individuals diagnosed with unilateral cervical radiculopathy.

Materials and methods

Thirty-four cervical radiculopathy patients were randomly assigned to either the myofascial release group or the exercise group. Both groups received conventional treatment. Additionally, the exercise group performed stretching and strengthening exercises while the myofascial release group received the myofascial release technique. The pain pressure threshold, muscle strength, cervical range of motion, pain, and disability variables were assessed for all patients.

Results

The myofascial release group demonstrated significantly larger improvements in flexion (p = 0.001), extension (p = 0.037), left rotation (p = 0.012), and left lateral flexion (p = 0.001) range of motions compared to the exercise group. Muscle strength in the wrist flexors (p < 0.001), wrist extensors (p < 0.010), biceps (p < 0.001) and triceps (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the myofascial release group compared to the exercise group. And, again, the myofascial release group demonstrated significantly larger improvements in wrist flexors (p < 0.001), wrist extensors (p < 0.001), biceps (p < 0.001), triceps (p < 0.001), pectorals (p < 0.001), subscapularis (p < 0.001), upper trapezius (p = 0.002), and the pain pressure threshold. Finally, the myofascial release group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain (p < 0.001) and disability (p < 0.001) scales compared to the exercise group.

Conclusion

Evaluation of the arm muscle strength and pain pressure threshold variables in patients with cervical radiculopathy may benefit clinicians in the preparation of treatments. Cervical radiculopathy symptoms may improve after the application of myofascial release techniques. A customized cervical exercise program and conventional treatment could be added to the non-surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy.