Immediate changes in pressure pain threshold in the iliotibial band using a myofascial (foam) roller

Abstract

ContextFoam rolling is used as a self-release myofascial technique that can be applied to a variety of tissues. Previous studies have demonstrated physiological changes in range of motion and arterial stiffness with the application of a foam roller. However no studies have investigated the change in pain levels using a semi-objective measure. ObjectiveThe present study investigated the application of a foam roller for three minutes to the right iliotibial band (ITB) of asymptomatic participants. Design Repeated measures design. SettingUniversity teaching clinic. ParticipantsEighteen asymptomatic participants. InterventionsParticipants completed questionnaire and their height and mass measured. Three points on the ITB were marked. The pressure pain threshold was measured at each point using a pressure algometer. Measurements were undertaken pre-intervention, post-intervention and 5 minutes postintervention. The participant completed a single 3-minute bout on the foam roller. Main outcome measures Pressure pain threshold. ResultsResults demonstrated a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in the PPT at the lower thigh immediately post-bout however the difference was ameliorated five minutes later. Conclusions

Pain pressure threshold of a muscle tender spot increases following local and non-local rolling massage

“…It could be postulated that if the parasympathetic-induced myofascial tissue property changes were the main mechanism contributing to modulation of pain, more persistent pain threshold alteration should have been observed from heavy massage. In line with our findings Vaughan and McLaughlin [ 14 ] demonstrated a temporary increase in PPT following 3 min of rolling massage, which was not present 5 min after the intervention. Although previous literature has indicated that massage may change microcirculation of blood flow, blood pressure, skin temperature and increase galvanic skin responses which all are indications of a lower level of sympathetic stimulation [ 4 ], there is no concrete evidence which shows that the effectiveness of massage is due to an increased blood flow, blood pressure and temperature.…”

“…The most plausible explanation we propose for the reduced pain perception in the present study could be the effect of heavy tissue massage on the central pain-modulatory systems [ 14 , 34 ]. More specifically, massage-like mechanical pressure can provide analgesic effects via the ascending pain inhibitory system (gate theory of pain) [ 35 , 36 ].…”

“…One therapeutic mode of massage that is frequently used for treatment of pain is myofascial release [ 1 , 2 , 9 , 10 ]. Among various myofascial release techniques, self myofascial release using foam rollers and roller massagers have been increasingly practiced in clinical and athletic settings to promote soft-tissue extensibility and optimal muscle functioning, subsequently reducing pain [ 11 – 14 ]. Foam rolling technique requires individuals to use their bodyweight during rolling a specific body region over a dense foam cylinder; whereas during self massage using hand-held roller massager, upper body strength (rather than body weight) is employed to exert pressure on muscle tissue [ 15 ].…”

“…Three studies have shown decreases in pain perception due to foam rolling. Vaughan and McLaughlin [ 14 ] demonstrated that 3-min of foam rolling over the iliotibial band resulted in significant increase in pressure pain threshold (PPT) immediately post-treatment. Macdonald et al [ 13 ] and Pearcey et al [ 16 ] studied the effect of foam rolling on recovery from exercise-induced delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) and found that foam rolling reduced pain perception throughout the period of DOMs.…”

Myofascial Pain Syndrome in the Elderly and Self-Exercise: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial

“…In addition, the therapeutic effects of SEIB in the current study concur with previous self-myofascial release studies, which reported decreased pain intensity and increased flexibility of soft tissue. 15,49,50 However, these demonstrated immediate effects with a single application in healthy adults and did not determine the therapeutic effect on specific pathologic sites, such as MTrPs. The results of the current study could provide further evidence that self-exercise for myofascial release is an effective technique.…”