Comparing the effectiveness of myofascial techniques with massage in persons with upper crossed syndrome (preliminary report)

Introduction
Upper crossed syndrome is a postural syndrome, with myofascial and functional imbalance within the shoulder girdle and the cervical spine. The therapy usually includes myofascial techniques or massage. The aim of this work was to indicate which of these forms of therapy is more effective in terms of myofascial release.

Material and methods
The study group consisted of 18 individuals (12 females and 6 males) with upper crossed syndrome who were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. In group 1 (8 females, 1 male), rehabilitation protocol involved myofascial techniques, while in group 2 (4 females, 5 males), massage was performed. In both groups, the therapy consisted of five 30-minute daily sessions. Prior to the therapy, on the 1st and the 5th day of the therapy immediately after the intervention as well as 14 days after the therapy completion, suprasternale height was measured and the cervical spine mobility was examined.

Results
It was revealed that both forms of the therapy resulted in an increase in the range of motion of the cervical spine, particularly in the case of the right flexion and right rotation. Effects were still present two weeks after the therapy. After 5 days of rehabilitation, both forms of the therapy led to a significant increase in suprasternale height (p<0.05).

Conclusions
Both myofascial techniques and massage result in an increase in the cervical spine and chest mobility in the longitudinal dimension in persons with upper crossed syndrome.