Comparison of Compressive Myofascial Release and the Graston Technique for Improving Ankle-Dorsiflexion Range of Motion

Abstract

Context: Restricted dorsiflexion (DF) at the ankle joint can cause acute and chronic injuries at the ankle and knee. Myofascial release and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques have been used to increase range of motion (ROM); however, evidence directly comparing their effectiveness is limited.

Objective: To compare the effects of a single session of compressive myofascial release (CMR) or IASTM using the Graston Technique (GT) on closed chain ankle-DF ROM.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Laboratory.

Patients or other participants: Participants were 44 physically active people (53 limbs) with less than 30° of DF.

Intervention(s): Limbs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: control, CMR, or GT. Both treatment groups received one 5-minute treatment that included scanning the area and treating specific restrictions. The control group sat for 5 minutes before measurements were retaken.

Main outcome measure(s): Standing and kneeling ankle DF were measured before and immediately after treatment. Change scores were calculated for both positions, and two 1-way analyses of variance were conducted.

Results: A difference between groups was found in the standing ( F2,52 = 13.78, P = .001) and kneeling ( F2,52 = 5.85, P = .01) positions. Post hoc testing showed DF improvements in the standing position after CMR compared with the GT and control groups (both P = .001). In the kneeling position, DF improved after CMR compared with the control group ( P = .005).

Conclusions: Compressive myofascial release increased ankle DF after a single treatment in participants with DF ROM deficits. Clinicians should consider adding CMR as a treatment intervention for patients with DF deficits.

Keywords: manual therapy; muscle tightness; soft tissue mobilization.

Figures

Figure 1.

Standing weight-bearing dorsiflexion range of motion. A, Starting and, B, ending positions.

Figure 2.

Kneeling weight-bearing dorsiflexion range of motion. A, Starting and, B, ending positions.

Figure 3.

Compressive myofascial release technique.

Figure 4.

Graston Technique (Graston Technique, LLC, Indianapolis, IN).

Figure 5.

Change in standing dorsiflexion by participant and group. A, Control group. B, Compressive myofascial release group. C, Graston Technique group.

Figure 6.

Change in kneeling dorsiflexion by participant and group. A, Control group. B, Compressive myofascial release group. C, Graston Technique group.