What is Myofascial pain syndrome?

Myofascial pain syndrome is a common debilitating disorder of the soft tissues. This condition can affect your fascia and muscles. Repetitive injury and overuse of muscle are the leading causes of this syndrome. It also develops trigger points (tender muscle knot) and pain.  

This type of pain can radiate from one trigger point to other body parts (neck, back, shoulder, etc.). You will be happy to know that trained and licensed therapists can help you to ease your pain and improve your condition. 

There are different treatment options for Myofascial pain syndrome. Most physical therapists recommend Myofascial Release Therapy to treat and manage this painful condition. 

Causes of Myofascial pain syndrome            

Various factors and conditions can develop Myofascial pain syndrome. Some common causes of this disorder include:

  • Muscle injury.
  • Muscle strain Muscle weakness
  • Lack of muscle activity 
  • Poor posture.
  • Repetitive muscle use
  • Working in or living in a cold environment.
  • Emotional stress 
  • Pinched nerve
  • Muscle tension
  • Chronic infections
  • Vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin D
  • Hormonal or metabolic issues like diabetic neuropathy or thyroid disease  

Signs and symptoms of Myofascial pain syndrome

People with Myofascial pain syndrome may experience the following:

  • Poor sleep
  • Headaches
  • Postural abnormalities 
  • Localized muscle pain
  • Trigger points that activate the pain
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Behavioral disturbance  

Where does this issue most commonly occur?

Trigger points and Myofascial pain can occur in any muscle of the human body. However, the neck, shoulder, and upper back are the most affected muscles. Myofascial pain can affect these muscles:

  • Trapezius:  Trapezius is a large muscle that turns and tilts your neck and head. 
  • Sternocleidomastoid:  This muscle helps to flex your neck and rotate your head to the opposite side.
  • Infraspinatus:  Infraspinatus is one of four muscles of the rotator cuff. It helps to stabilize and rotate your shoulder joints.  
  • Levator scapulae: This muscle helps to raise and rotate your shoulder blades
  • Rhomboids: Rhomboids helps to pull your shoulder blades together.  

Treatment options for Myofascial pain syndrome

Drugs such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories may be used to get relief from Myofascial pain. You can also consider the following non-invasive or non-drug treatment for this issue. 

Myofascial Release Therapy

It is a type of physical therapy used to reduce the tightness and tension in Myofascial tissue. Most therapists include Myofascial release therapy in the massage session. 

This therapy utilizes their hands and fingers to gently massage the stiff muscles to eliminate pain and restore motion. There are two types of Myofascial release therapy, and they are:

  • Direct release: It is also known as deep tissue Myofascial release therapy. In this technique, the therapist uses weight and force to release the fascial to improve mobility and extensibility.
  • Indirect release: It is a normal method where the therapists apply less pressure to reduce the pain.

Addressing pain to a specific trigger point is very hard. That’s why therapists use Myofascial release over a wide area of muscles rather than a single point.    

Benefits of Myofascial release therapy

This therapy can have the following benefits:

  • Improve circulation
  • Reduce exercise-related soreness
  • Reduce pain
  • Release knots or trigger points
  • Improve movement and flexibility
  • Improve muscle function
  • Improve range of motion

Ultrasound therapy

Therapists may use an ultrasound device to transmit sound waves into your muscles. This process warms the Myofascial muscle and improves the flow of blood. Ultrasound therapy is one of the best ways to relieve your Myofascial pain and promote natural healing.  

Massage therapy 

A gentle massage can help you to relax your body and get relief from muscle tension. It is a safe and effective treatment option for Myofascial pain syndrome. Massage therapy can also help you to maximize your blood circulation and improve the flexibility of muscles. In the massage session, therapists may use different essential oils and techniques for better results.  

Heat therapy  

By applying hot application to your affected area, you can relieve your muscle knots and reduce stiffness, discomfort, and pain. This treatment technique will encourage your body to improve the healing process by maximizing blood and oxygen flow.  

Dry needling therapy 

Dry needling therapy involves inserting into the affected area. This process helps to release natural chemicals in the body and alter your ability to feel pain. Dry needling therapy is also the best treatment option to promote healing and ease Myofascial pain and discomfort.  

Final words 

Chronic pain conditions like Myofascial pain syndrome can be frustrating and affect your physical ability and the quality of your life. A trained and skilled physical therapist can help you find the causes of your Myofascial pain syndrome and offer a customized treatment option.