With the patient supine, sit at the head of the table
Place palms under the patient's articular pillar at the level of dysfunction (TART changes)
Lift upward (toward ceiling) into the patient’s paravertebral cervical tissues to engage the underlying muscles and fascia
Assess myofascial motion inferior and superior, left and right, and torsional (twisting) to determine positions of ease and restriction
Gently stack the tissue in all three planes of motion into the position of ease (indirect) or into the barrier (direct)
Hold for 30–60 seconds or until a release is palpated

ANTERIOR CERVICAL / SUPRACLAVICULAR, DIRECT

With the patient supine, stand at the head of the table
Place thumbs and thenar eminences in the supraclavicular fossae just lateral to the sternocleidomastoid muscles
Apply gentle downward (anterior to posterior) and inferior force
Determine the restrictive barrier by moving the tissues left and right
Hold the downward and inferior force, while maintaining the tissue in the restrictive (left or right) barrier, until a release is palpated
Push the thumbs farther laterally and repeat steps 3–5 until no further improvement is noted

Author: Arman Israelyan, OMS-III

Editor: Matt Lipinski, DO

Editor: Robyn Hughes, MScBMC

Key Takeaways

Cervical spine myofascial release is a technique massage and physical therapists use to release tension in the fascia surrounding the cervical spine. The therapist will use their hands to apply pressure and stretch the fascia, which can help to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and reduce muscle spasms.

The therapist may also use heat or ice therapy before or after the treatment to further reduce inflammation and pain. Cervical spine myofascial release is a safe and effective treatment for many common neck injuries and conditions, such as whiplash and cervical spondylosis.

Cervical spine myofascial release

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