Estimation of influence of myofascial release techniques on esophageal pressure in patients after total laryngectomy

In patients after total laryngectomy, increased tension in myofascial neck and arm areas might be observed. Via fascial continuity it has an adverse impact on the superior esophageal constrictor forming the “mouth of the oesophagus”, which hinders learning of esophageal speech. The aim is to assess the effect of manual myofascial release techniques on esophageal pressure in patients after total laryngectomy. Forty patients (12 F, 28 M), aged 43–75 (mean 56.8 years), 9 months to 13 years (average 3 years) after total laryngectomy, 35 patients (87.5%) after neck lymph node resection, 38 patients (95%) after radiotherapy. Esophageal pressure was assessed using modified Seeman’s method. Manual myofascial release techniques were applied within head, neck, arms, upper trunk and upper limb areas. Wilcoxon and Shapiro–Wilk’s test was used for the purpose of statistical analysis. Statistically significant decrease of the mean esophageal pressure was observed after the physiotherapy treatment. The average pressure among the examined patients decreased from 37.9 to 26.6 mmHg. The application of myofascial manual techniques decreases esophageal pressure, thus allowing patients to learn esophagus speech at a faster pace.