Myofascial Release for Neck Muscles

Overseen By Daniel Cawley, DC, MSHS, MS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Must not be taking: Muscle relaxants

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Diabetes, Cancer, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 1 day

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines how a simple self-massage technique for neck muscles, known as Self-Myofascial Release of the Upper Cervical Muscles, might affect various parts of the body. The researchers aim to determine if this technique can influence muscle tightness, pain levels, ankle movement, and foot pressure. Participants will spend five minutes performing a self-massage on their upper neck muscles. Individuals who frequently experience muscle tension but are not currently receiving treatment or taking muscle-related medication might be suitable candidates.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore a non-invasive technique that could enhance well-being.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial excludes people who use prescription drugs for muscles or muscle relaxants, so you would need to stop taking those medications to participate.

What prior data suggests that this self-myofascial release technique is safe?

Research has shown that self-myofascial release, which involves using simple tools like foam rollers or balls to massage muscles, is generally safe for most people. Studies have found that this technique can be done at home or work, making it a convenient option. These studies have reported no major side effects. Participants in past research handled it well, with many experiencing reduced neck pain. Always consult a healthcare provider before trying new treatments, especially if existing health conditions are present. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about self-myofascial release for neck muscles because it offers a hands-on, non-invasive approach to alleviate neck pain. Unlike standard treatments such as medication or physical therapy, this technique empowers individuals to directly target and release tension in their upper cervical muscles using simple tools like foam rollers or balls. This method is attractive because it can be done independently at home, potentially providing quick relief without the side effects associated with medications. Additionally, it encourages self-management and active participation in one’s own recovery process.

What evidence suggests that self-myofascial release might be an effective treatment for neck muscles?

Research has shown that self-myofascial release (SMR) can enhance joint mobility without compromising muscle strength. For individuals with neck pain, combining SMR with stretching can ease neck movement and reduce pain and discomfort. Studies also indicate that myofascial release techniques can significantly lessen neck pain. These techniques can quickly reduce muscle tension and pain. This trial will focus on SMR for the muscles in the upper neck, which may effectively ease neck problems and improve movement. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals experiencing back pain specifically related to the muscles at the base of the skull. Participants should be interested in a self-treatment technique using an occipivot pillow. The study doesn't specify inclusion or exclusion criteria, so it's unclear who can't participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 19 or older and live in or near Auburn.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had surgery on my spine or leg before.

Current tobacco use

My pain changes how I walk or affects my daily activities.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Pre-Baseline measurements of muscle stiffness, ankle dorsiflexion, pain pressure threshold, and plantar foot pressure

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants undergo a 5-minute self-myofascial release intervention

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in biomechanical properties and subjective measures of stress, anxiety, and sleep quality

2-4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Self-Myofascial Release of the Upper Cervical Muscles

Trial Overview

The trial tests if using an occipivot suboccipital pillow for self-myofascial release affects muscle properties, pain sensitivity, ankle movement, and foot pressure. It involves a single 5-minute intervention with measurements taken before and after.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Self-Myofascial Release Treatment Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Lead Sponsor

Trials

24

Recruited

2,700+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A 54-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis and collagenous colitis experienced significant improvements in pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal function, and cervical range of motion after six sessions of sustained release myofascial release (MFR) therapy over two weeks.

The positive effects on her symptoms and quality of life were maintained for five weeks after treatment, indicating that MFR may offer both short-term and long-term benefits when used alongside standard medical treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sustained release myofascial release as treatment for a patient with complications of rheumatoid arthritis and collagenous colitis: a case report. Cubick, EE., Quezada, VY., Schumer, AD., et al.[2021]

Myofascial release (MFR) significantly improved pressure pain thresholds in the trapezius and suboccipital muscles of individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain, based on a systematic review of 13 studies involving 601 participants.

Despite these improvements in pain thresholds, MFR did not show significant effects on overall pain levels, cervical mobility, or neck disability index, indicating that while MFR may help with specific muscle sensitivity, its broader efficacy for neck pain relief is still uncertain.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Myofascial release for the treatment of pain and dysfunction in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Guo, Y., Lv, X., Zhou, Y., et al.[2023]

Self-myofascial release (SMFR), particularly through foam rolling, has been shown to significantly increase joint range of motion without negatively affecting muscle force or performance, making it a safe option for recovery and maintenance.

Despite its widespread use by health-care professionals for treating myofascial pain, there is a lack of clinical trials specifically evaluating the effectiveness of SMFR in this context, highlighting the need for further research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of self-myofascial release on myofascial pain, muscle flexibility, and strength: A narrative review. Kalichman, L., Ben David, C.[2022]

The Multilevel rigid roller (MRR) exerts significantly higher pressure on the lateral thigh compared to the Bio-Foam roller (BFR), which may enhance the effectiveness of self-myofascial release (SMR) techniques.

The MRR has a smaller contact area than the BFR, indicating that it may provide more targeted pressure during SMR, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes for myofascial restrictions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A comparison of the pressure exerted on soft tissue by 2 myofascial rollers. Curran, PF., Fiore, RD., Crisco, JJ.[2022]

Self-myofascial release (SMFR) can acutely increase flexibility and reduce muscle soreness without negatively affecting athletic performance, making it a useful recovery tool.

While SMFR shows potential for improving arterial and vascular function, evidence on its long-term effects on flexibility remains inconsistent.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of self-myofascial release: A systematic review. Beardsley, C., Škarabot, J.[2022]

Self-myofascial release (SMR) significantly improves ankle dorsiflexion and hip flexion range of motion (ROM) in physically active men, with an average increase of about 11% and 6%, respectively.

Increasing the volume of SMR from 10 to 20 repetitions per set does not provide additional benefits, indicating that the shorter protocol is just as effective for enhancing flexibility.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute Effect of 2 Self-Myofascial Release Protocols on Hip and Ankle Range of Motion. de Souza, A., Sanchotene, CG., Lopes, CMDS., et al.[2022]

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4637917/

THE EFFECTS OF SELF‐MYOFASCIAL RELEASE USING ...

SMR with a foam roll or roller massager appears to have short‐term effects on increasing joint ROM without negatively affecting muscle performance.

2.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360859225002803

The effect of remote self-myofascial release and stretch on ...

Conclusion. SMR combined with remote stretching exercises for the lower limbs may effectively improve cervical ROM and reduce pain and disability in individuals ...

3.

jptrs.org

jptrs.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.14474/ptrs.2024.13.1.124

Immediate Effects of Muscle Tension and Pain to ...

This study aims to investigate the immediate effects of myofascial release and Duoball assisted self-relaxation (DASR) techniques on pain and muscle tension

4.

mdpi.com

mdpi.com/2076-328X/14/3/205

Effects of Myofascial Release Technique along with ...

The findings of the current study demonstrated that the CBT + MRT group resulted in significant improvements in pain (p = 0.001), neck ...

5.

jurnalketerapianfisik.com

jurnalketerapianfisik.com/index.php/jpt/article/view/414

The The Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Technique and ...

Results: The results showed that neck disability significantly decreased before and after the intervention in both groups (p<0.001). There was ...

6.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02348268

Myofascial Release Therapy and Mechanical Neck Pain

Also called a data safety and monitoring board, or DSMB. Early Phase 1 ... Fascial release effects on patients with non-specific cervical or lumbar pain.

7.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12110477/

Effect of Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue Mobilization ...

This study aimed to assess the effect of Myofascial release (MFR) and Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM) on neck-muscles related syndromes compared to ...

8.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-myofascial-release-5-2024-0180a

Myofascial Release for Neck Muscles

Self-myofascial release (SMR) is generally considered safe for most people and can be done at home or work using simple tools like foam rollers or balls.

9.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001691824002026

Myofascial release for adults with chronic neck pain and ...

The findings suggest that myofascial release has a positive impact on individuals with chronic neck pain and depression, particularly in reducing pain ...