Effect of myofascial release on spinal adjustment in treatment of postural scoliosis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Background. Scoliosis is lateral curvature of the normal vertical line of the spine. Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic regional pain, caused by trigger points in skeletal muscle. Purpose. To assess the effect of myofascial release (MFR) on spinal adjustment in treatment of postural scoliosis. Methods. A randomized controlled clinical trial. Thirty Egyptian female students were assigned randomly in to two groups. The control group received therapeutic exercises (stretching and strengthening exercises of the back) for 6 weeks (n = 15), and the experimental group received MFR and the same exercises for 6 weeks (n = 15). The following parameters including pain level assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), functional disability assessed by Oswestry disability index (ODI), lumbar range of motion (flexion, extension, and side bending to the convex side) and Cobb’s angle assessed by X-ray were measured before and after 6 weeks of treatment. Results. The results showed significant improvements in pain level, functional disability, and lumbar range of motion in all directions in the study group compared with those in the control group (p < 0.05); however, the Cobb’s angle showed no significant differences between the two groups after treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Myofascial release is an effective method for spinal adjustment in treatment of postural scoliosis.