Sustained Manual Loading of the Fascial System Can Evoke Tonic Reactions: Preliminary Results

Abstract

Introduction: The physiologic mechanisms influ enced or activated by manual therapies are poorly understood, and consequently, most approaches lack objectivity both in diagnostics and treatment. However, a myofascial release technique called Muscle Repositioning (MR) appears to evoke specific and detectable mechanical and neural reactions. A previously published study set forth the recorded increase in tonic activity of the cervical erectors during MR maneuvers in the occipital region (1) . This study investigated possible increases in tonic muscular activity in the cervical and lumbar erectors during an MR maneuver in the thoracic region. Methods: In 14 healthy adults with a mean age of 34.21 years [standard deviation (SD): 10.24 years] the right cervical and lumbar erectors were monitored by surface electromyography [EMG (Nexus 10: Mind Media BV, Roermond–Herten, Netherlands)]. From a side-lying position, each subject received two MR maneuvers administered to the right side of the thorax by an experienced practitioner (Fig. 1.). The maneuvers delivered a particular set of forces, which characteristically produce a visually evident integration of body segments, causing them to appear unified as a single block when manually vibrated (video links available at http://musclerepositioning.blogspot.com/). Each maneuver continued until the practitioner felt a tissue release (a tactually perceptible sliding of internal soft parts relative to one another). The durations of the maneuvers were registered. Results: The first maneuver lasted 14.75 minutes (SD: 5.22 minutes), and the second, 7.63 minutes (SD: 3.35 minutes). In 13 subjects, increased cervical erector activity was observed: in 11, during both maneuvers, and in 2, only during the second maneuver. Such activity was more pronounced and ensued more quickly during the second maneuver (Fig. 2). Seven subjects also showed increased lumbar activity, which in 6 was synchronous with the increased