Posture Focused Therapy and Fibromyalgia

Posture therapy and re-training can help fibromyalgia and those suffering from complex regional pain syndrome. Spanish researchers observed significant improvement after only five sessions of manual techniques combined with motor control exercises. Another demonstration of the effectiveness of multi-modal approach to correcting sensory-motor errors.

Their formula:

1. Suboccipital release
2. Pectoral release
3. Diaphragm release
4. Lumbosacral decompression
5. Psoas fascia release
6. Thoracic spine manipulation (high-velocity low-amplitude)

This is a very similar manipulative approach to what chiropractors use by integrating spinal manipulation in conjunction with massage therapy.  In addition, focusing patient/client active care on one area at a time creates the self-awareness necessary to retraining postural control.

These same ideas contributed to the birth of what is now known as the StrongPosture® protocols.

Castro-Sanchez AM, Mataran Penarrocha GA, Arroyo-Morales M, et all (2011). Effects of myofascial release techniques on pain, physical function, and postural stability in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21673013

Castro-Sánchez, AM, Aguilar-Ferrándiz, ME, Matarán-Peñarrocha, GA, Sánchez-Joya, M, Arroyo-Morales, M, & Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C. (2014). Short-term effects of a manual therapy protocol on pain, physical function, quality of sleep, depressive symptoms, and pressure sensitivity in women and men with fibromyalgia syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. The Clinical Journal of Pain.  Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24281285

Gamber RG, Shores JH, Russo DP, et all (2002). Osteopathic manipulative treatment in conjunction with medication relieves pain associated with fibromyalgia syndrome: results of a randomized clinical pilot project. J Am Osteopath Assoc. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12090649

For more about StrongPosture® and to incorporate it in your practice get the Posture Rehab Exercise Program and take the latest training via the online rehab course, Posture and Balance Assessment, Rehabilitation, and Motor Control Exercise.