Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain is a chronic, painful condition that affects the muscle tissue as well as the layer that covers the muscles - known as the fascia.

A single muscle or entire muscle group could be affected with pain but the actual area where the pain is generated could be different. This is called referred pain - where the location of injury or strain causes a 'trigger point' to develop causing seemingly unrelated pain in another area of the body.

Diagnosing myofascial pain

To accurately diagnose this syndrome the therapist requires a precise understanding of the assessment criteria used to diagnose Trigger Points. Trigger points can be identified by pain (local and referred) that results when pressure is applied to an area within a taut band of muscle. Trigger points may also cause muscle tightness and weakness, as well as mimic ‘nerve’ pain resulting in shooting sensations as well as pins and needles.

Treating myofascial pain

Physiotherapy methods and the expert use of medical acupuncture/Dry Needling are considered the best treatments for myofascial pain syndrome.

by Simon.