A study has been published by the Annals of Internal Medicine that directly pertains to Myofascial Release treatment. This study, with over 3000 participants, demonstrated a positive correlation between having a leg length discrepancy, or one leg longer than the other, and the prevalence of osteoarthritis in the knee.
Older studies have shown that the majority of leg length discrepancies are due to asymmetries in the pelvis, rather than true leg length differences. An asymmetrical pelvis can often be corrected with the skilled application of Myofascial release treatment. With studies such as this, identifying and correcting pelvic asymmetries becomes even more important for the general public. While follow up studies as necessary to validate these findings, early intervention is crucial.
The study group was in the 50-79 age range, when arthritic changes have already become apparent. Identifying at-risk individuals at an earlier age should be a standard medical screening. Referral to an appropriated health practitioner for evaluation and treatment simple and cost effective way to reduce the pain that can result from osteoarthritis of the knees and reduce the need for total knee replacements. read through this study at the Research page of my website: MyofascialResource.com (article #215)
So I’m thinking if the pelvis is aligned and restrictions in the legs are released, the arthritic knee would improve. Is this right? Have you heard of cases of decreased arthritic pain after this kind of “indirect” work?
If the knee has been sufficiently damaged, the damage remains even once the pelvis is corrected and the soft tissue of the legs are released. But, the pain that is often attributed to arthritis is often more soft tissue in origin.
On my website, I use an example of clients who come to me with reports from their physicians that their X-rays show significant arthritic changes to the knee (or fill in the blank of just about any joint). They were told that the arthritis was the cause of the pain. They were sent to physical therapy for the standard exercise and hot pack routine. But, instead they get referred to me.
Evaluation will usually show marked tightness of the thigh and knee musculature, along with tightness of the tissue surrounding the kneecap. Myofascial Release to these areas both improves their range of motion and usually significantly reduces the pain. If they re-take the X-ray, the arthritic changes are still present, but the pain is less.
So, with skilled Myofascial Release evaluation and treatment, the answer to your question would be yes. It is quite common.