Efeito da liberação miofascial da muscular evacuatória na função anorretal após a lesão medular espinhal: série de casos

Josiane Lopes

doi:10.5433/1679-0367.2026v47n1p3

Authors

Josiane Lopes Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0128-4618

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0367.2026v47n1p3

Keywords:

Spinal cord diseases, Neurogenic bowel, Myofascial Release Therapy

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of myofascial release of the defecatory musculature on anorectal function in individuals after spinal cord injury (SCI). Methodology: A case series was conducted on a convenience sample of individuals with chronic SCI, treated at a physiotherapy teaching clinic, reporting constipation. Individuals were evaluated using a socioclinical questionnaire, the Bristol SCI scale, and a physical examination of the defecatory muscles. Five physiotherapy sessions of myofascial release of the external and internal anal sphincter, puborectalis, puboanalis, and iliococcygeus muscles were performed by the same examiner, lasting 20 minutes each over 5 consecutive days. Results: Ten individuals participated in the study, 7 men and 3 women with SCI, with a diagnosis time of 3.8 ± 2.27 years and an average age of 47.79 ± 10.13 years. Before physiotherapy sessions: Bristol score of 2.64 ± 1.43, weekly bowel movement frequency: 1.04 ± 0.8 times, hyperactivity (trigger points or connective dysfunction) of the evacuating muscles, predominantly in the iliococcygeus muscle. After physiotherapy sessions: Bristol score of 4.70 ± 0.62, weekly bowel movement frequency: 3.1 ± 2.1 times, and reduction in hyperactivity of the evacuating muscles (p=0.03). Final considerations: Myofascial release of the evacuating muscles improves anorectal function, improving the bowel movement pattern in individuals after SCI.

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Author Biography

Josiane Lopes, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná

PhD in Health Sciences from the State University of Londrina (UEL), Brazil. Professor at the State University of Northern Paraná (UENP), Jacarezinho, Paraná, Brazil.

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