Figure 1 Client left ankle at time of injury.
Bernice Landels, Bachelor Health Studies
Health Studies (Massage & Neuromuscular Therapy), Board Certified Structural Integrator (IASI).Background
Conventional rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries post-surgery is generally site-specific and aims to return the person to ‘normal’ function. Commonly, conventional treatment focuses locally and little or no attention is given to comorbidities, other symptoms, postural compensations, or adaptations either pre-existing or resulting from the injury. Structural Integration (SI) is a manual therapy applied to and focusing on fascial continuities throughout the whole body. This case report explores SI as a global, whole-body intervention for rehabilitation.
Purpose
To examine the effects of a whole-body approach that addresses local and global symptoms following ankle surgery.
Methods
The Anatomy Trains Structural Integration (ATSI formerly KMI) 12-series protocol was applied and a selection of outcome measures were used to track progress and assess the efficacy of SI. Ankle mobility and function was assessed primarily using Weight-Bearing Lunge Test and Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Local pain was reported using the McGill Pain Questionnaire. General well-being was evaluated using subjective questioning and the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire.
Results
Local results included increased mobility and function to affected leg, and reduced pain and swelling. Global results included an improvement in physical and psychological well-being, with the reduction of pain and dysfunction in other areas.
Conclusion
This case report demonstrates global benefits of a whole-body approach when structural integration is applied during rehabilitation. More clinical research that includes SI is needed to determine if the local and global results shown in this case study can be demonstrated in additional rehabilitation populations.
KEYWORDS: anatomy trains, structural integration, fascial, rehabilitation, ankle surgery
Ankle injuries are a common occurrence in sport, and in field hockey account for nearly 25% of all injuries.(1) A trimalleolar fracture with syndesmosis dislocation,(2,3) classified as a Weber C fracture(4) (https://radiopaedia.org/articles/weber-classification-of-ankle-fractures), requires surgical intervention involving open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to stabilise the joint. Without surgery, instability, dysfunction and chronic pain may arise as future issues.(5)
Physiotherapy and advice leaflets(6,7) providing injury specific protocols are provided by the National Health Service (NHS) for post-surgery rehabilitation in the United Kingdom. Secondary symptoms and pre-existing conditions or pre-disposing factors, such as posture or movement patterns, are given little consideration.
Manual therapy (MT) to aid recovery has to be sourced and paid for privately in the UK. There is a risk that these, too, will focus only on local symptoms relating to the injury/surgery.
Structural Integration (SI) is a unique ‘whole-body’ MT developed by Dr. Ida Rolf (1896–1979).(8) With a set number of sessions (10–12) and a systematic approach,(9,10) SI focuses on whole-body functionality rather than individual areas or symptoms. The International Association of Structural Integrators(11) (IASI) describe SI as bodywork focusing on connective tissue or fascia to “help an individual experience an optimal way of moving by increasing strength, adaptability and resilience”.
Published literature on SI and rehabilitation is limited.(12,13) Despite few clinical case studies or trials, the results recorded show positive effects on posture, gait, range of movement (ROM), balance, musculoskeletal pain, and well-being.(14,15)
Myers,(16) in his article ‘Past as Prologue: The “Future” of SI’, posited whether SI practitioners could bring value to people outside the confines of private practice, by assisting with rehabilitation during healing and recovery, and after surgery. This prospective case report explores Myer’s question, and further investigates the benefits of a whole-body, global approach compared to local rehabilitation practices.
A 45-year old female paramedic injured her left (L) ankle whilst playing field hockey (Figure 1). She presented with pain and limited mobility in her L ankle, three months post-ORIF and syndesmotic reconstruction surgery (Figure 2). Pain in L hip/groin, tightness in the L knee on movement and right (R) superior neck pain with occasional “locking” as described by the client, were all secondary symptoms.
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Figure 1 Client left ankle at time of injury. |
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Figure 2 Lateral view post ORIF & syndesmotic reconstruction surgery. |
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Bilateral lower leg pain and discomfort had been present since 2002. Past treatment included a bilateral posterior compartment release (2008); a high volume injection (HVI) to R achilles (2015); eccentric and isometric exercises, anti-inflammatories, night splints and local massage. Initial client comments were: “I don’t like my legs, ever since they started giving me grief in 2002” and “I feel flatfooted, no spring”.
Surgery at eight years of age for an R inguinal hernia, a recent tooth extraction, past incidents of whiplash, and a jaw injury from playing ice hockey, as well as concussion from a fall while snowboarding, were also reported.
Assessed by NHS physiotherapists as functioning “above normal”, she was discharged shortly after surgery. Seeking help to improve function and mobility, she contacted the practitioner and began a series of SI. Consent was gained for this case report.
Clinical findings from initial assessment
Pelvis shifted and rotated R;
R foot turned outward and pronated, driving the lower leg into internal rotation and dorsiflexion at the talocrural joint (ankle);
R knee flexed and externally rotated, causing the femur to tilt posteriorly;
L leg externally rotated and abducted relative to the pelvis;
Pelvis anteriorly shifted relative to the ankles and upper body compensates by tilting thorax posteriorly;
Head shifted anteriorly, tilted posteriorly, tilted L and rotated R;
Shoulders neutral to pelvis with a slight L rotation;
Bilateral scars (30 mm) midposterior calves;
Local oedema in L ankle & muscle atrophy in lower leg; and
Vertical scar (80 mm) on lateral L ankle from ORIF surgery.
Client walked with a limp, with no heel strike occurring on the L. Activities, such as going down stairs and putting on calf-high rubber boots, were challenging.
Baseline measurements were established comparing lower limbs, including range of movement (ROM) and function using the weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT)(17,18) and lower extremity functional scale (LEFS).(19,20) Photographs were taken throughout and leg circumference was a late inclusion at Session 3 to monitor local oedema. Subjective data were collected using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ-2)(21,22) and World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL)(23,24) (Table 1).
Table 1 Description of Measurement Tools Used with Supporting Rationale and Sequencing
Anatomy Trains SI (ATSI), based on the work of Dr. Rolf, was developed by Tom Myers(25) and follows myofascial lines (or meridians) in a sequential order over 12 sessions (Table 2).(9,10) The lines show connections throughout the body and provide a map that can help explain distribution of strain, tension, and postural compensations. A systematic review looking at the evidence behind the lines(26) found there is strong support for the Superficial Back Line (SBL) and moderate for Lateral Line (LL) and Spiral Line (SPL). A study of self-myofascial release to the plantar surface of the foot showed an increase in hamstring and lumbar ROM(27) in one foot, and stretching the calf and hamstring increased cervical ROM in another,(28) both contributing to the evidence towards the continuity of the SBL.
Table 2 ATSI 12 Series Protocol Overview(9,10,25)
Fascial release techniques (FRT) are applied using fingers, hands, soft fists, forearms or knuckles.(29) The client is actively involved during application, moving (concentric and eccentric contraction) the area/muscle being treated. A variety of positions (seated, standing or lying) are used during the session. Depth and direction are determined by the client’s tissues and assessment findings, and are applied with the intention to lift or drop, to open, differentiate or balance tissues and structures.
The ATSI 12 series took place over 12 weeks, with a follow-up session five weeks after completion. Superficial sessions (1–4) occurred regularly on Fridays and Mondays at 9:30 a.m.; core and integrating sessions (5–12) were less regular due to holidays and the client’s return to work. All sessions were a maximum of 90 minutes in duration. Whilst each session has clear goals and structures to address (Table 2), variations arise based on the client’s needs and presentation (Table 3).
Table 3 Variations to the Standard ATSI Treatment Protocol
WBLT improved with the difference between L and R toe-to-wall measurement reducing from 9.5 cm (34.2°) to 3 cm (10.8°) (Table 4). L lower leg oedema was reduced (Table 5 & Figure 3), and muscle tone was improved (Figure 4); realignment of the ankle was also observed (Figure 5). The R pelvis rotation reduced and the client’s posture (sagittal) changed with a slight posterior shift and tilt of the pelvis, softening the thoracolumbar hinge in the spine (Figure 6). Walking was closer to ‘normal’ and the client returned to hockey training (light) with her team with no adverse reactions.
Table 4 Comparative Results for Weight Bearing Lunge Test;(17,18) Degrees of Dorsiflexion Achieved (Toeto-Wall Distance cm)
Table 5 Comparative Results for Lower Leg Circumference Measured 20 cm from Floor
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Figure 3 Lateral view of left ankle post treatment. |
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Figure 4 Left triceps surae activation pre- and posttreatment. |
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Figure 5 Bilateral comparison of medial ankle posttreatment. |
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Figure 6 Client profile. |
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SF-MPQ-2 showed changes in the type and intensity of pain experienced in L ankle. The intensity reducing in all types except aching pain, and two new types of pain reported at F/Up (Table 6), and overall present pain intensity (PPI) was reduced. Perceived daily functioning improved, with the LEFS score increasing from 74% to 95%. QOL responses showed improvement in overall physical and psychological well-being. The initial negative comments changed during the series to feelings of “lightness, fluid and freedom”. In Session 7 the client reported, “for one day I almost felt normal”. The client reported improvement in neck, groin, and knee symptoms.
Table 6 Results of SF-MPQ-2(21,22)
Overall results of this case report demonstrate SI has the potential to assist in the healing process and recovery post-surgery, addressing local and global, primary and secondary symptoms, and meeting the client’s goals.
Improvement in mobility and function were primary client goals. As pre-injury ROM of the L ankle was unknown, R ankle baseline measurements were established as ‘normal’. The average range for non-WB ankle dorsiflexion (DF) is 20°,(30) normal walking gait requires 5–10°, while running requiring more. Toe-to-wall measurement in WBLT is calculated at 1 cm = 3.6° DF.(17) In Sessions 1 and 3 the client recorded 0° DF on the L, a contributing factor to the limp and inability to heel strike. At follow-up the client achieved 18° DF, within the normal range for walking and closer to the range of her R ankle. Whilst there are more biomechanics involved in walking and running, DF is easily measurable and felt by the client, and restoring it is an important goal in the management of ankle injuries.(31)
AT lines, with the exception of the arm and functional lines, have connections in the foot and ankle.(25) Applying FRT to structures such as the ankle retinacula, plantar, and crural fascia over multiple sessions may have assisted with improving local tissue glide and improving structural relationships to enable more movement and stability.
Active movement by the client, in and out of gravity whilst FRT are applied, may also contribute to tissue glide. Eccentric contraction is an important mechanism of how movement is controlled and stabilization occurs in everyday life. Eccentric loading of muscles through exercise is widely used in rehabilitation.(32,33) The client’s past history of lower leg issues and objective assessments suggest that the triceps surae and lower SBL were held under tension, layers of tissue held taut and compressed together. Differentiating these tissues may have contributed to improved mobility, increased tonicity (Figure 3), and reduction in local oedema (Table 5). Working intentionally with depth and direction, actively involving the client, and the plasticity of fascia, may all contribute to the physical results.
Reduction and change in pain may also be attributed to freeing the layers of fascia around the ankle joint. The ankle retinacula are rich in nerve fibres and mechanoreceptors that contribute to proprioception. It would have been damaged by the mechanism of injury, specifically the flexor retinaculum.(34) The ankle retinacula attach into periosteum of the tibia and fibula and are inseparable from the crural fascia and the deep fascia of the foot. Further scar tissue may have occurred during surgery; as a vertical incision is made through to the bone, tissues are held apart, and metal rod is bolted to the fibula.
The client’s description of L ankle pain during the series varied (Table 6). Despite reporting the PPI score as zero at follow up, the client was still experiencing localised pain. Pain levels were only measured for the L leg and only types of pain that scored 1 or above were included in this report. There is little research on post-operative pain for ORIF and syndesmosis reduction; one study concluded that persistent postsurgical pain up to 1 year is frequent.(35) This may be true for this client since during the series, the intermittent (shooting, sharp) and affective (fearful) pains subsided. It was the persistent pains that changed in both intensity and type (cramp, ache, heavy and tender) and remained at follow-up.
The attention that SI gives to the base of support in relationship with the rest of the body by default addressed both the injured site and symptoms elsewhere in the body. ‘Biotensegrity’(36,37,38) is a model used to describe the fascial interconnected network within the body—where force is transmitted in series (longitudinally) or parallel (transversely) to neighbouring and other parts of the body. Zugel et al.(39) proposed that trauma to fascial tissues resulted in fibrotic changes effecting the entire system, thus impacting tissue dynamics and force transmission along myofascial lines and to neighbouring structures. Fracture and displacement of the tibia and fibula in relation to the talus, and surgery, will have undoubtedly affected both the compression (bones) and tensional (fascia and myofascia) components of such a model, as well as fluid dynamics. Applying the ‘biotensegrity’ model to AT lines helps show the myofascial connection of the foot to the hip and neck; changing tension in any part of these lines changes the relationship between structures. The gradual acceptance of more weight in the L foot, allowed for the pelvis to return to centre, taking strain off the L groin and knee. The flow-on effect up the body helps resolve the neck pain. These results and other changes observed in the client’s posture (Figure 5) suggests that SI provides more whole-body benefits than those of local rehabilitation.
Changes in pain, reduced swelling, and improved ROM influenced other outcomes. The LEFS score improved significantly, with double the documented LEFS range for Minimal Detectable Change and Minimal Clinically Important Difference. This may reflect the extent of the client’s restrictions prior to starting the SI series and the positive change that occurred, and there may be a correlation between the local improvements mentioned above, client awareness, and their physical and psychological improved wellness, as reported by the WHO-QOL questionnaire.
Several limitations of this case study have been identified. The client understood the process of SI, however, would often request more focus on the L leg, detracting from the SI protocol; and the irregularity of sessions 5–12 would affect the replicability of this study. Faster local results may be achieved by MT practitioners or physiotherapists who provide a site-specific treatment. Occupational physiotherapy (OP) provided by her employer as a ‘return to work’ programme occurred during the series between Sessions 2 and 8 (Table 3) and may have contributed to local results. Treatment included heat and local friction to scar, ankle mobilization, and strength exercises. The final two physio sessions occurred on the same days as SI Sessions 6 and 8, both of which have an upper body focus, so there was no conflict. The Hawthorne effect was considered but dismissed, as the client was highly motivated to improve at any cost, though spontaneous recovery cannot be ruled out.
Further research on SI, the benefits of a whole-body approach, and rehabilitation would be useful for SI practitioners and clients who aren’t making the improvements they’d like with conventional therapies. Results from this case report concur with those reported by Jacobson(14) and James et al.,(15) with improvement locally across a range of measures. There is great value in using outcome measures that are reliable and valid, and whilst limiting this to one body part is useful for research, it does not provide a full picture of the client. Using a tool that measures multiple symptoms—for example, subjective health complaints (SHC)(40)—may provide additional rigour to this study and others alike. It would be beneficial if SI schools trained students in the use of outcome measures and case report writing, to build a culture of investigation and evidenced base practice.
The findings of this case report suggest that SI can bring added value to the process of healing and recovery, serving the client beyond the conventional realms of rehabilitation. SI is able to help meet the normal expectations of rehabilitation of increasing ROM and it does it in a relational way, systematically working through the body to bring balance, adaptability, and resilience to the whole, not just the part.
In his article, Myers(16) wrote, “essential-to-healing integration is what we do best”, and SI could bring finishing touches to rehabilitation, “melding the changes into the body as a whole”.
Thanks to the Ida P. Rolf Research Foundation for providing the incentive to write a case report; to Sue Adstrum, PhD, for encouraging and supporting me during the case study; Abi Johnson, friend and business coach who helped start this process of investigation and having a go at writing a case report; and last, but not least, to my family.
The author declares there are no conflicts of interest.
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*Winner, Case Report Competition, Ida P. Rolf Research Foundation, Boulder, CO, USA; https://rolfresearchfoundation.org/ ( Return to Text )
Published under the CreativeCommons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License. ( Return to Text )
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND BODYWORK, VOLUME 14, NUMBER 1, March 2021