Can Myofascial Release Techniques Have Remote Effects? A systematic Review

Abstract

Background. According to the Anatomy trains theory, different parts of myofascial tissue are connected by meridians. Many studies based on anatomy trains theory have examined the remote effects of myofascial release techniques. This study aimed to systematically review and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of remote myofascial techniques. Methods. We used all English papers published in electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from 2000 to February 2022 using the following keywords: “remote myofascial release”, “remote release”, “anatomy trains”, “line structures myofascial release”, “myofascial chains”, and “fascial meridians release”. The articles directly related to the remote effects of myofascial release were selected to review. The PEDro scale was used to assess the quality of these trials. Results. 5 randomized controlled trials were selected for our review. Randomized clinical trials that studied the comparative effect of remote myofascial release techniques with different methods, control/sham, and other soft tissue release techniques like stretching were included. This review showed little evidence proving the additional effectiveness of remote myofascial release technique treatment. Conclusions. Myofascial release is a good technique to increase flexibility. However, further studies are recommended to evaluate the effect of myofascial release techniques in patients with musculoskeletal problems by examining more outcome variables.