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Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain
Neuropathy | Last Active: Aug 14 2:32pm | Replies (324)Comment receiving replies
Hi, Jennifer: Do you know if Barnes' myofascial release techniques can be used on people who have osteoporosis? Mine is advanced, but I am on a med to build back bone -- Tymlos. I also have lumbar spinal stenosis. I have been told by two reputable physical therapists that techniques to treat the stenosis are quite the opposite of what's good for osteoporosis. My instinct is that a great number of my back and leg pain problems stem from fascia issues and a torqued pelvis, so I am interested in myofascial treatment. But I am also wary of the possibility of fracture. I am not seeing literature on myofascial release & osteoporosis. Do you have any knowledge in this area? Thanks for any help you can give!
Replies to "Hi, Jennifer: Do you know if Barnes' myofascial release techniques can be used on people who..."
@bayhorse When I asked my doctor about myself having some osteopenia in the neck of the femur, his response was you need to stress it to cause more bone growth, and they recommend weight bearing exercise. With osteoporosis, the bones have progressed to being thinner. If that was really severe, there would be a lot of things that could pose a risk.
I was able to find this journal which talks about a couple of case studies of elderly people with osteoporosis undergoing myofascial release.
https://journals.lww.com/jgpt/citation/2002/25030/myofascial_release_as_complementary_in_physical.27.aspx
There is a button on the left side to download the PDF version (free) which will be bigger so you can read it. This talks bout MFR improving their posture and balance which is good for fall prevention. MFR isn't really very different than a massage, and the therapist just holds the stretch instead of continuing to move. You might ask your osteoporosis specialist who is treating you if you can do this. I know it is so easy to cause a spine compression fracture with severe osteoporosis because my mom did that by doing nothing.
MFR is a gentle stretch. Your doctor may not be familiar with it. You may want to find an MFR provider, pose the question to them, and then you can ask your doctor. Your doctor may be able to talk to the therapist to clear this for you to do. You may be able to improve posture, balance and your proper ergonomic body movement, and I would think it would be beneficial, but I'm not a doctor. Since your osteoporosis is severe, you should get clearance from your doctor. You can search for an MFR therapists at this link:
http://mfrtherapists.com/
Jennifer
Good evening @bayhorse, and hello to my colleague @jenniferhunter. I just thought it might be helpful if I shared with you my experience with Osteoporosis, MFR, and Tymlos. My progressive SFN (small fiber neuropathy) has been treated by MFR in two sessions a week for the last few years including the two years I was having Tymlos injections daily. I do not recall any recognizable interference. Tymlos was not a problem for me and I had no side effects. MFR sessions were increased to twice a week with two MFR therapists . They were both aware of my level of osteoporosis.
Do you have specific questions or areas of concern? Please let me know about them and I will respond based on my experience. As I reflect on the actual treatment, I realize that I never worried about the possibility of a fracture.
MFR enhances my life, by giving me relief from the pain and discomfort of SFN.
May you be safe, protected and free of inner and outer harm.
Chris
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It's a very gentle technique.