How Does Myofascial Release Help Neck Pain?
Muscles of the neck that are usually targeted for myofascial release include the trapezius and suboccipitals, located along the back of the neck, which help extend the neck; the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and levator scapula, which help provide neck rotation; the longus colli, longus capitis, and infra hyoids, located in the front of the neck, which provide flexion; and the scalenes, which flex the neck to the side. The myofascial release practitioner will visually observe the client’s body as well as palpate, or feel, the tissue texture and various fascial layers in the neck. The client will be asked to take his/her neck through a range of motion (ROM) in various directions, looking for restriction and pain. Based on this information, treatment will be performed. A specific myofascial release technique involves the therapist slowly providing therapeutic compression, while having the client move the neck in a slow back and forth motion, thus stretching the targeted muscles. As a result,
