Myofascial Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Содержание:
- Definition of Myofascial Syndrome
- Causes of Myofascial Syndrome
- Symptoms of Myofascial Syndrome
- Pain Complaints in Myofascial Syndrome
- Myofascial Back Pain
- Diagnosis of Myofascial Syndrome
- Video – How to Diagnose Myofascial Syndrome
- Treatment of Myofascial Syndrome
- Manual Therapy for Myofascial Syndrome
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Prevention of Myofascial Syndrome
- When to See a Doctor
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Definition of Myofascial Syndrome
Myofascial syndrome (abbreviated as MFS; alternative names: myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), myofascial pain dysfunction) is a broad term with several different definitions.
If we break down the term “myofascial,” it consists of muscle and fascia (from Latin musculus and fascia), meaning a muscle-fascia syndrome. In other words, it refers to a condition involving the muscle and the fascia.
In this article, we will present the classical definition provided by American physicians Janet Travell and David Simons.
If we break down the term “myofascial,” it consists of muscle and fascia (from Latin musculus and fascia), meaning a muscle-fascia syndrome. In other words, it refers to a condition involving the muscle and the fascia.
In this article, we will present the classical definition provided by American physicians Janet Travell and David Simons.
Myofascial syndrome is a set of sensory (painful and non-painful), motor, and autonomic symptoms, complaints, and dysfunctions caused by trigger points (painful muscle nodules or taut bands within muscle tissue).
Trigger points develop within muscle tissue — affected areas that produce various complaints. These complaints and manifestations (symptoms) constitute myofascial syndrome. This is the definition in a broad sense.
When diagnosing MFS, it is essential to specify the muscle or group of muscles affected by trigger points. For example: myofascial syndrome of the trapezius muscle and the major and minor rhomboid muscles on the left side.
When diagnosing MFS, it is essential to specify the muscle or group of muscles affected by trigger points. For example: myofascial syndrome of the trapezius muscle and the major and minor rhomboid muscles on the left side.
myofascial pain syndrome and trigger point
Myofascial syndrome is the presence of multiple trigger points within muscle tissue. An analogy can be made with a skin rash syndrome: just as a rash consists of multiple papules (pimples), myofascial syndrome consists of multiple trigger points.
Causes of Myofascial Syndrome
The mechanism of myofascial pain development is not yet fully understood. The main hypothesis suggests that the ability of muscle cells to relax is impaired, while their contractility increases. Muscle relaxation requires energy, provided by ATP molecules. The pathogenesis of a trigger point is based on the energy crisis theory, meaning a deficiency of ATP.
When the muscle requires more energy than it can produce, the proteins actin and myosin (structural components of the muscle cell) effectively “stick together”, causing a sustained contraction, which forms a trigger point.
The causes of myofascial syndrome are factors that increase energy consumption by muscle cells and reduce their energy production and generation
When the muscle requires more energy than it can produce, the proteins actin and myosin (structural components of the muscle cell) effectively “stick together”, causing a sustained contraction, which forms a trigger point.
The causes of myofascial syndrome are factors that increase energy consumption by muscle cells and reduce their energy production and generation
Approximately 40–50% of the human body consists of muscle tissue. Muscles are organs just like the heart, liver, stomach, or kidneys. And muscles are susceptible to their own specific disorder — myofascial syndrome.
Muscle Overstrain and Overload
Muscles operate on the principle of “contraction–relaxation,” where the relaxation phase must follow the contraction phase. During relaxation, the muscle synthesizes ATP to prepare for the next load.
If the contraction phase becomes significantly and critically prolonged, the muscle experiences a shortage of energy substrates. As a result, during prolonged muscle overload, the muscle lacks sufficient energy to relax, and muscle cells become damaged.
If the contraction phase becomes significantly and critically prolonged, the muscle experiences a shortage of energy substrates. As a result, during prolonged muscle overload, the muscle lacks sufficient energy to relax, and muscle cells become damaged.
Prolonged immobility, uncomfortable positions, or postures in which muscles do not perform their full range of motion lead to muscle tension and contribute to the formation of latent trigger points.
Impaired Nutrition and Energy Supply
When a muscle contracts, its cross-sectional area increases, which can compress capillaries, reducing their lumen and limiting blood flow that delivers nutrients to the muscle. This means the muscle tissue, which is already under stress, experiences even greater nutrient and oxygen deficiency.
It is also important to consider the composition of the blood supplying the muscle. ATP synthesis requires glucose, oxygen, vitamins, enzymes, and other nutrients. If these are insufficient in the diet, the muscle becomes less tolerant to load, as its energy production is reduced
It is also important to consider the composition of the blood supplying the muscle. ATP synthesis requires glucose, oxygen, vitamins, enzymes, and other nutrients. If these are insufficient in the diet, the muscle becomes less tolerant to load, as its energy production is reduced
Deficiencies of vitamins B, C, and D; low blood glucose levels; low hemoglobin; insufficient intake of proteins and fatty acids; as well as deficiencies of micronutrients such as magnesium, potassium, chloride, and calcium all contribute to the worsening of the condition.
Posture and Sedentary Lifestyle
Muscle activity supports our posture and body alignment in space. Ideally, posture should be neutral, meaning the minimum number of muscles exerting the least effort maintain the body’s position.
If there are deviations, for example, a forward head position, muscles must work harder to support the head. The posterior neck muscles and trapezius become overloaded, which can contribute to the development of myofascial syndrome in these muscle groups.
Skeletal abnormalities, postural deviations, and structural scoliosis (asymmetry of the bones) further contribute to chronic muscle overload
If there are deviations, for example, a forward head position, muscles must work harder to support the head. The posterior neck muscles and trapezius become overloaded, which can contribute to the development of myofascial syndrome in these muscle groups.
Skeletal abnormalities, postural deviations, and structural scoliosis (asymmetry of the bones) further contribute to chronic muscle overload
Leg length discrepancy (LLD), forward head posture, flat feet and valgus deformity of the feet, and pelvic bone developmental anomalies (such as a tilted pelvis) are all risk factors for the formation of trigger points.
Stress and Nervous Tension
Muscle contraction and relaxation are regulated by the nervous system, and both muscle and nerve tissue are excitable tissues. Under stress or psycho-emotional tension, when there is a constant external stimulus, the excitability of the nervous system increases.
As a result, during stress, the nervous system sends excessive signals to the muscles, releasing neurotransmitters, and the muscles remain in involuntary spasm for extended periods.
This sustained tension can lead to headaches and insomnia in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), because the nervous system’s activity normally decreases during sleep. With insomnia, the muscles do not rest and remain chronically tense.
As a result, during stress, the nervous system sends excessive signals to the muscles, releasing neurotransmitters, and the muscles remain in involuntary spasm for extended periods.
This sustained tension can lead to headaches and insomnia in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), because the nervous system’s activity normally decreases during sleep. With insomnia, the muscles do not rest and remain chronically tense.
General nervous tension leads to increased **muscle tone**, causing the muscles to become more tense and preventing them from fully relaxing. This results in the formation of tight muscle knots.
Primary Mechanical Injury
After physical impacts on the body—such as blows, compression, stretching, falls, or car accidents—a person may adopt a forced posture, and the injured segment may be temporarily “shut down” to avoid painful movements during recovery.
Even after rehabilitation, muscle weakness and hypodynamia can persist.
Prolonged immobilization of muscle groups can lead to a loss of range of motion and the formation of trigger points
Even after rehabilitation, muscle weakness and hypodynamia can persist.
Prolonged immobilization of muscle groups can lead to a loss of range of motion and the formation of trigger points
After sustaining an injury (such as a sprain, bruise, fracture, or muscle trauma), movement is often restricted. Pain can alter movement patterns, which may lead to overload of the healthy muscles.
Nerve Root and Spinal Involvement
Muscle cells receive commands for contraction and relaxation from nerves (neural regulation). If innervation is disrupted—such as when a nerve is compressed by an intervertebral hernia, in the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome), in the elbow (cubital tunnel), or within muscle tissue (e.g., piriformis syndrome)—the impulse reaching the muscle can be impaired.
The muscle loses physiological innervation, its strength and function are compromised, and pain occurs when pressing on trigger points
The muscle loses physiological innervation, its strength and function are compromised, and pain occurs when pressing on trigger points
Impaired innervation leads to the formation of secondary trigger points in the muscles that are supplied by the affected nerve.
Symptoms of Myofascial Syndrome
The condition presents with various manifestations. Here are the main signs of myofascial pain syndrome:
- Presence of a dense muscle band within the muscle. When palpating the areas where the patient reports pain, tense and tender spots can be detected.
- Stiffness and limitation of both active and passive movement in areas where trigger points are present.
- A sensation of muscle hypertonicity, spasm, or shortening.
- Often, skin turgor increases (reduced mobility when pinching the skin) and the skin temperature over the trigger point may change.
- Presence of referred pain, meaning pain can migrate from the source up to 40–60 cm away. Pain is felt both at the palpated site and in the referred area.
The signs of myofascial pain syndrome are numerous and varied. They can mimic other conditions and syndromes, which is why it is often easily confused with other disorders.
Pain Complaints in Myofascial Syndrome
The primary manifestation of myofascial pain syndrome is pain. When muscle cells are damaged and trigger points form, tissue pain mediators are released, including prostaglandins, catecholamines, cytokines, neuropeptides, and inflammatory mediators. Pain can be classified according to its location, character, duration, and intensity.
Pain sensations in MPS may vary as follows:
Pain sensations in MPS may vary as follows:
- By character: from dull and aching to sharp and stabbing.
- By area: from a small pinpoint region to involving more than half of the body.
- By intensity: from mild discomfort to severe pain (9–10 on the pain scale).
- By duration: from short-term episodes to chronic pain lasting years.
- By frequency: from episodic (e.g., once a month) to persistent and constant.
- By location: pain may occur at the trigger point itself or at a distance (referred pain).
Myofascial pain can range from 1 to 10 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and vary widely in character. Most often, it presents as a fatigue-like sensation in the affected segment, gradually developing into dull, aching pain.
Myofascial Back Pain
The entire back—the dorsal part of the torso—can be affected by myofascial pain, including the neck, thoracic spine, lower back, sacrum, and gluteal region. Large joints are often involved as well, such as the hip, shoulder, elbow, and knee.
Up to 80–90% of diagnoses such as “osteochondrosis,” “dorsopathy,” and “lumboischialgia” are actually myofascial pain. This occurs because the medical community often relies on radiological examinations; spinal abnormalities are visible on imaging, and symptoms are commonly attributed to the spine, even though the underlying cause is myofascial.
Up to 80–90% of diagnoses such as “osteochondrosis,” “dorsopathy,” and “lumboischialgia” are actually myofascial pain. This occurs because the medical community often relies on radiological examinations; spinal abnormalities are visible on imaging, and symptoms are commonly attributed to the spine, even though the underlying cause is myofascial.
80–95% of back pain cases are either isolated muscle pain (pain originating solely from trigger points) or combined pain, where myofascial pain is accompanied by another type of pain, such as inflammatory or neuropathic pain.
Autonomic Symptoms
Persistent pain can affect the nervous system and manifest as additional complaints. Moreover, spastic muscles can trigger or worsen neurological, organ, and vascular dysfunctions. For example:
- Sternocleidomastoid muscle involvement can cause unilateral tinnitus, photophobia, or tingling in the eyes.
- Trapezius muscle involvement may trigger migraine headaches.
- Suboccipital muscle involvement can contribute to dizziness.
- Rectus and oblique abdominal muscle involvement can disrupt digestive function (gastrointestinal motility disorders).
- Pelvic floor muscle involvement may lead to reduced libido.
- Diaphragm involvement can impair breathing, resulting in shallow respiration
Symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, excessive sweating, dyspepsia, and inability to take a full breath can be caused by myofascial syndrome.
Diagnosis of Myofascial Syndrome
A standardized diagnostic protocol for myofascial syndrome has not yet been developed. To establish a diagnosis, the following diagnostic criteria are generally used:
- Pain upon palpation of the affected area.
- Muscle band detectable in the region of palpation.
- Local twitch response during ischemic compression of the muscle band.
- Local contraction of the muscle during dry needling of the trigger point.
- Recognition of familiar pain by the patient when pressure is applied to the trigger point.
- Restricted range of motion, with inability to fully stretch the affected muscle.
- Absence of skin or inflammatory signs over the muscle band (no swelling or redness).
- Possible joint crepitus, as tight muscles can pull on joints and cause functional blockages.
The primary diagnostic criteria for myofascial syndrome are:
- Presence of a local twitch response (LTR) during dry needling of the muscle band or during prolonged compression using massage techniques.
- Patient recognition of familiar pain, meaning the person identifies the trigger point as the source of their pain.
Video – How to Diagnose Myofascial Syndrome
In this video, the specialist demonstrates how to diagnose myofascial syndrome. The process includes:
- Medical history collection
- Functional assessment
- Palpation
- Dry needling to localize trigger points
- Completion of an examination form
Functional Diagnosis
The most effective method for diagnosing myofascial syndrome is functional diagnosis, meaning the diagnosis is made clinically based on the patient’s complaints.
The process typically involves:
The process typically involves:
- The patient marks the areas of pain on a form, describing their duration and the conditions under which the pain intensifies.
- The specialist first palpates healthy muscles to identify latent trigger points and to show the patient what myofascial pain feels like.
- The affected area is then examined to locate the primary source of pain, and the patient is asked to compare it with pain experienced in the previously examined areas.
- If the pain is similar in character, diagnostic dry needling is performed to elicit a local twitch response (LTR).
- Muscles of the functional unit—synergists and sometimes antagonists—are also examined to assess related dysfunctions.
First, the healthy muscles and the unaffected side of the body are palpated to identify any pain elicited by pressing on trigger points in other “dormant” areas—this serves as a reference pain. Next, the area of the primary complaint is palpated—for example, referred pain in the hand, shoulder, or neck
Instrumental Diagnosis
Instrumental diagnostics are not the primary method for diagnosing myofascial syndrome, since micro-level changes in muscle cells are not visible on ultrasound or MRI. However, imaging techniques are used for differential diagnosis to rule out other organ-related pathologies.
- MRI can assess the condition of spinal ligaments and detect inflammation in vertebral bodies (bone marrow edema, Modic type I/II), as well as identify disc herniations and protrusions. Note that the presence of hernias or protrusions does not necessarily indicate the source of the patient’s complaints.
- X-rays can be used for functional tests, evaluating joint mobility and deformities of joint surfaces.
- CT scans provide detailed views of bony structures, revealing pathological fractures if present, and can assess pelvic bone alignment relative to the sacrum
For back pain, MRI is commonly prescribed, but pain alone is not a direct indication for a spinal MRI. MRI is recommended only if neurological symptoms are present. For pain of myofascial origin, a functional diagnosis should be performed instead
Laboratory Diagnosis
The only method for precisely detecting a painful muscle band is a biopsy (core or trephine biopsy). However, this is not performed in routine practice, only in research settings, because it is an invasive procedure.
Laboratory diagnostics provide information about blood composition (cells and plasma substances), but they do not directly reflect the state of muscle tissue. Indirectly, however, they can help identify factors that contribute to the formation and maintenance of trigger points. Relevant blood markers include:
Laboratory diagnostics provide information about blood composition (cells and plasma substances), but they do not directly reflect the state of muscle tissue. Indirectly, however, they can help identify factors that contribute to the formation and maintenance of trigger points. Relevant blood markers include:
- Hemoglobin – delivers oxygen to muscles; anemia can lead to oxygen deficiency (hypoxia).
- Ferritin – involved in oxygen transport to muscles.
- CK (creatine kinase) and myoglobin – can assess treatment effectiveness; levels rise after proper massage or inactivation of trigger points.
- Vitamins B1, B6, B12, D, C – participate in muscle cell metabolism.
- Hormones TSH and cortisol – influence cellular metabolism.
- Oxidative status – tests for lipid peroxidation; free radicals may contribute to trigger point formation.
- CRP (C-reactive protein) – indicates inflammatory conditions, though not directly related to MPS.
- Erythrocyte magnesium – magnesium in cells is essential for muscle relaxation
Laboratory diagnostics help assess the presence of other conditions that may worsen or contribute to the development of myofascial syndrome, but they are not a primary diagnostic method.
Treatment of Myofascial Syndrome
Before treating myofascial syndrome, it is important to understand a fundamental medical principle: “every disease is accompanied by cellular damage.” In this case, the damage occurs in muscle cells (myocytes).
A trigger point represents a reversible injury to muscle cells, and the goal of treatment is to restore the damaged muscle cells to a healthy state, both structurally and functionally. This requires mechanically releasing the trigger point locus, essentially disrupting the membranes of the damaged cells.
Notably, when muscle tissue is treated, only the membranes of pathological cells rupture, because their membranes are less tolerant to mechanical impact, while healthy cells remain intact.
During treatment, when myocyte membranes rupture, a specific marker is released into the blood: myoglobin, a protein found exclusively in skeletal muscle.
Next, we will discuss the treatment methods for myofascial pain syndrome
A trigger point represents a reversible injury to muscle cells, and the goal of treatment is to restore the damaged muscle cells to a healthy state, both structurally and functionally. This requires mechanically releasing the trigger point locus, essentially disrupting the membranes of the damaged cells.
Notably, when muscle tissue is treated, only the membranes of pathological cells rupture, because their membranes are less tolerant to mechanical impact, while healthy cells remain intact.
During treatment, when myocyte membranes rupture, a specific marker is released into the blood: myoglobin, a protein found exclusively in skeletal muscle.
Next, we will discuss the treatment methods for myofascial pain syndrome
The fundamental principle of treating myofascial syndrome is to restore damaged muscle cells by mechanically disrupting their membranes. This is followed by the natural regeneration process.
Pharmacological Treatment
Pharmacological treatment of myofascial pain is secondary and supportive, used at specific stages of therapy. Medications can relieve pain and reduce excessive excitability and contractility of skeletal muscles, but they cannot restore damaged muscle cells.
Below is a list of the most commonly prescribed drug groups:
Below is a list of the most commonly prescribed drug groups:
Pharmacological treatment is indicated in combined conditions and comorbidities.
Myofascial syndrome may be accompanied by:
Myofascial syndrome may be accompanied by:
- Vitamin deficiencies – treated with vitamin supplements.
- Viral or bacterial infections – treated with antibiotics or antivirals.
- Sleep disturbances – treated with adaptogens or hypnotics.
- Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., malabsorption) – treated with prebiotics and probiotics.
Muscle relaxants and NSAIDs are prescribed to relieve pain and reduce painful muscle spasms, but they do not have a pathogenetic effect on the underlying myofascial syndrome
Manual Therapy for Myofascial Syndrome
Manual therapy involves therapeutic interventions on the body performed by hand. Effective methods for treating myofascial syndrome include:
- Ischemic compression of trigger points – the muscle band is pinched and held between the practitioner’s fingers. Strong pressure is applied and maintained; after 30–90 seconds, local muscle contractions and relaxations begin.
- Deep gliding massage – longitudinal and transverse gliding movements relax muscle bands and release tension.
- Myopressure – a forceful massage technique that compresses the muscle until it regains elasticity.
- Post-isometric relaxation – a technique of passive stretching of muscle fibers, where the practitioner elongates the affected fibers to promote relaxation
Manual therapy techniques are aimed at softening the muscle tissue and restoring its elasticity
Trigger Point Dry Needling
Dry needling has the advantage of providing an objective criterion of effectiveness. When the needle reaches the locus of the trigger point, an involuntary muscle contraction (local twitch response, LTR) occurs, typically several contractions per single insertion.
The practitioner holds the trigger point with a pincer or flat grip and performs linear movements of the needle within the trigger point. There are two main techniques:
Trigger point injections (injecting a drug into the trigger point) are not required to treat the trigger itself; they are used only for pain relief. However, injections carry a higher risk of complications and side effects, such as accidental injection into a vessel or nerve
The practitioner holds the trigger point with a pincer or flat grip and performs linear movements of the needle within the trigger point. There are two main techniques:
- “Sewing machine” technique – the needle remains in the subcutaneous fat layer and moves along with it.
- Conical insertion technique – the angle of needle insertion is altered during the procedure.
Trigger point injections (injecting a drug into the trigger point) are not required to treat the trigger itself; they are used only for pain relief. However, injections carry a higher risk of complications and side effects, such as accidental injection into a vessel or nerve
Dry needling involves inserting an acupuncture-style needle into a trigger point with the goal of inactivating it. It is entirely different from acupuncture and does not rely on traditional acupuncture principles
Physiotherapy – Shockwave Therapy for Trigger Points
Physiotherapy for myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) can be divided into specific and non-specific methods.
Non-specific methods do not directly inactivate trigger points and include:
The procedure is performed using a device such as Richard Wolf:
Non-specific methods do not directly inactivate trigger points and include:
- Electrophoresis
- Electrical muscle stimulation
- Ultrasound therapy
- Laser therapy
The procedure is performed using a device such as Richard Wolf:
- The depth of treatment is selected using silicone applicators ranging from 5 to 40 mm.
- The manipulator is positioned over the trigger point, the impulse intensity is set, and the trigger point is treated (sonicated).
- The sensation during treatment is painful, typically 6–7 out of 10 on the pain scale.
- Each trigger point is treated with 200–400 impulses per session.
- The total number of impulses per full procedure usually ranges from 2,000 to 6,000
Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is a treatment method for myofascial syndrome that targets trigger points using infrasound waves. The device is positioned over the muscle band, delivering 200–400 impulses to a single trigger point
Prevention of Myofascial Syndrome
For relapse prevention (metaphylaxis), therapeutic exercise (LFC) is performed. The goal is to maintain the maximum range of motion, preventing pulling sensations during movements such as neck rotations, bends, or bringing the knee to the chest.
Key points include:
Key points include:
- Posture correction and pain prevention – posture should be neutral, meaning that if a vertical line is drawn, the body should align as closely as possible.
- For office workers, support for the lumbar region is important. This can be provided by ergonomic furniture or lumbar rolls to relieve spinal load.
- It is recommended to stand up every hour and perform exercises such as twists, lateral and forward bends, stretches, and flexions. These are the main exercises for low back pain and myofascial pain
The primary goal of myofascial syndrome prevention is to maintain the full anatomical range of motion of all muscle groups, especially those subject to chronic overload, such as the lower back and neck
When to See a Doctor
Myofascial syndrome is not a life-threatening condition and does not require emergency hospitalization or urgent care. However, the pain from activated trigger points can be as intense as renal colic, acute appendicitis, or angina, which sometimes prompts people to call an ambulance.
When and why it is advisable to see a doctor:
When and why it is advisable to see a doctor:
- Moderate to severe pain – to identify the exact sources of pain.
- Pain persisting spontaneously for more than 2–3 days – myofascial syndrome can become chronic, making it harder to treat later.
- Signs of inflammation – fever (temperature above 37.5°C), swelling, redness.
- Neurological symptoms – tingling in the skin, true limb weakness (e.g., foot drop), numbness, or altered sensation (dysesthesia).
- Severe limitation of forward bending.
- Vascular signs – limb is unusually cold or warm, pale or bluish.
- Urinary system changes – changes in urine quantity or quality, presence of impurities
You should see a doctor to rule out other conditions and ensure that no life-threatening issues are missed. After that, treatment can focus on myofascial pain
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can myofascial pain syndrome be cured?
Yes, it is a common condition, like many others. First, the sources of pain are identified, and it is important that the patient undergoes treatment and understands that the pain has a muscular origin.
The stages of treatment include:
The stages of treatment include:
- Initial improvement stage — the first noticeable reduction in symptoms.
- Maximum recovery stage — restoration of normal muscle function and structure.
- Relapse prevention stage — measures to prevent recurrence of the condition
How to identify a trigger point?
The main method is palpation, often followed by dry needling. A local twitch response (LTR) occurs only at the site of the trigger point. If the muscle twitches when stimulated, this confirms the presence of a trigger point.
Which exercises help with myofascial pain?
All exercises that focus on stretching and increasing range of motion are beneficial and recommended.
Strengthening or high-intensity “pumping” exercises should be avoided, as they can worsen the condition.
Strengthening or high-intensity “pumping” exercises should be avoided, as they can worsen the condition.
Is myofascial pain syndrome different from neuralgia or radiculopathy?
Yes. Myofascial syndrome involves muscle cell dysfunction, whereas neuralgia and radiculopathy involve nerve cell pathology.
They differ in symptoms and the nature of pain:
They differ in symptoms and the nature of pain:
- Muscle pain is usually diffuse, dull, and aching.
- Neuropathic pain is often burning, stabbing, and string-like in its pattern
Does massage help with myofascial syndrome?
Yes, massage can be effective. One of the most successful methods is deep tissue massage.
It is important to understand the goal: the therapist should work deeply into the muscle tissue to locate and feel the trigger points and then thoroughly release them using deep, longitudinal massage techniques.
It is important to understand the goal: the therapist should work deeply into the muscle tissue to locate and feel the trigger points and then thoroughly release them using deep, longitudinal massage techniques.
What is referred pain from trigger points?
Referred pain is a phenomenon where the source of pain (a muscle taut band or trigger point) is in one location, but pain is also felt in a distant area.
It is similar to how heart pain during a heart attack can radiate to the shoulder, arm, or jaw. In myofascial pain syndrome, trigger points can produce referred pain in other regions of the body
It is similar to how heart pain during a heart attack can radiate to the shoulder, arm, or jaw. In myofascial pain syndrome, trigger points can produce referred pain in other regions of the body
Sources and References
Sources and references used:
- Travell J.G., Simons D.G., Simons L.S. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999. (Классическое фундаментальное руководство по триггерным точкам и миофасциальной боли.)
- Dommerholt J., Fernández-de-las-Peñas C. Trigger Point Dry Needling: An Evidence and Clinical-Based Approach. 2nd ed. Elsevier; 2013. (Современный обзор метода сухой иглы и клинического применения при МФБС.)
- Gerwin R.D. Myofascial Pain Syndrome. In: Medical Clinics of North America. 2014;98(3):557–571.(Обзор патофизиологии, диагностики и лечения миофасциального болевого синдрома.)
- Simons D.G. Clinical and etiological update of myofascial pain from trigger points. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain. 1996;4(1–2):93–122. (Обновлённые данные о механизмах формирования триггерных точек.)
- Bron C., Dommerholt J.D. Etiology of myofascial trigger points. Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2012;16(5):439–444. (Современное понимание причин формирования триггерных точек.)
- Shah J.P., Thaker N., Heimur J., et al. Myofascial Trigger Points Then and Now: A Historical and Scientific Perspective. PM&R. 2015;7(7):746–761. (Научный анализ феномена триггерных точек с позиции современной медицины.)