Working to build an evidence base for the style of MFR that I teach, I’ve brought together a good many resources that show that an MFR style of engagement can have positive impacts in many conditions. Here the authors looks at swallowing issues with head/neck cancer patients.
Many of you know my take on MFR evidence, or much of the evidence in manual therapy, in that while many show that intervention that has been called MFR is effective for the stated condition, most 1) do not describe in detail what was done (MFR is a rather general term rather than describing very specific hands-on intervention) and, 2) they seldom questions the historical narrative that restates very old views on fascia being the primary cause of dysfunction and that we have the ability to singularly and selectively target fascia under the skin to the exclusion of all other tissue and awareness. But, we need to worm with what we have.
Burks, M., Bailey, S., and Jefferson, Manual Therapy May Improve Swallowing Outcomes in Post-Treatment Head and Neck
Cancer Patients. Poster presentation at 2014 Triological Society. http://www.triomeetingposters.org/wpcontent/uploads/2014/05/C100.pdf
“The primary objective of this small case series was to demonstrate the potential application of myofascial release in the treatment of dysphagia in HNC survivors following definitive therapy.”
“Conclusion: Dysphagia is a common post-treatment sequela in HNC patients. Our descriptive observational data preliminarily suggests that the novel approach of manual therapy may have role for the treatment of HNC patient dysphagia. Future study will further investigate the effects, the long-term benefits, and ideal regimen of myofascial
release in this patient population.”
Walt Fritz, PT
www.FoundationsinMFR.com
Sorry, comments are closed for this post.