Effect of Release of Upper Track of Deep Front Facial Line Versus Myofascial Release With IASTM on Patients With Upper Cross Syndrome

Upper cross syndrome is a postural dysfunction that can cause a variety of upper-body musculoskeletal problems. Early detection and physiotherapy can help to prevent further complications. Maintaining bad posture over an extended duration can cause postural dysfunction and misalignment.

The first and most obvious sign of upper crossed syndrome is the characteristic postural dysfunction of protracted scapulae, medially rotated humeri, hyperkyphotic upper thoracic spine, and a protracted/ anteriorly held head, which is created by hypo lordosis or even kyphosis (excessive flexion) of the lower cervical spine, hyper lordosis of the upper cervical spine and head, and anterior translation of the head upon the atlas.

The available treatments for upper cross syndrome are Stretching, strengthening, myofascial release, postural relaxation exercise, electrical stimulations, and deep neck flexors activations are the most used techniques. Numerous studies have highlighted various benefits in terms of time efforts, and prognosis. Those are corrective exercise, Kinesio taping, scapular stabilization exercise, and PNF techniques.

Studies have demonstrated the role of fascia in various musculoskeletal dysfunctions as the fascial tissues connect the skeletal muscles forming a body-wide web in a pattern called myofascial meridians. As fascia is able to modify its tensional state, strain transmission along the meridians might occur in response to changes in muscle activity.

Deep fascia tends to be highly vascularized and contain well developed lymphatic channels. In some instances, deep fascia can even contain free encapsulated nerve endings, such as Ruffini and Pacinian corpuscles. It is present in our body in different tissue planes and in different forms with specific function and the musculoskeletal fascial system can be affected by various localized disorders with variable time course and prognosis.

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 18-40 years old
• All participants had forward head, craniovertebral angle < 50.
• All participants had rounded back (kyphosis angle ≥ 42°)
• Based on assessment of upper cross syndrome by photogrammetric analysis.
• The subjects were chosen from both genders.

Exclusion criteria

• History of trauma or surgery in cervical region.
• Bone fractures or acute soft tissue injuries.
• Osteoporosis.
• Heart attack.
• Unstable angina pectoris -Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator- -Cancer-
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Connective tissue disease: This includes diseases such as osteomyelitis, lupus and scleroderma -Neurological conditions-