The synchronous application of yoga and myofascial release therapy for musculoskeletal pain: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is common and costly, and conventional care is often inadequate for pain resolution. Although evidence supports movement and manual therapy treatments, the benefits of the synchronous application of these two therapies are sparsely documented and poorly understood. Case presentation: A 40-year-old female presented to a chiropractic practice within a large multispecialty clinic with chronic right-sided thoracolumbar and posterior ribcage, abdominal wall, and anterior hip pain, despite extensive medical workup and multifaceted treatment. Intervention description: Initial chiropractic treatment entailed manual therapy and yoga-based home exercise prescription. Outcome measures during the first two months of treatment fluctuated erratically. In an effort to facilitate at-home yoga practice and to bolster the patient's self-efficacy, myofascial release therapy was combined synchronously with in-clinic yoga practice ("yoga release therapy", YRT). Outcomes: The shift in treatment to YRT was associated with improvements measured on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) instrument, including: pain rating (50 - 20), pain interference (60 - 47), sleep disturbance (54 - 37), anxiety (46 - 42), fatigue (57 - 43), physical function (32 - 51), and social function (44 - 65). Conclusion: These outcomes indicate a potential role for YRT in an integrative approach to managing MSK pain. They justify prospective research to validate YRT's efficacy and explore its mechanisms.