Myofascial pain syndrome (sometimes called chronic myofascial pain) is a disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness. The issue stems from tightness and sensitivity in the myofascial tissues. This soft tissue is what supports and protects the muscles and organs throughout your body. When it tightens, it can cause pain in the muscles nearby as well as seemingly unrelated parts of your body.
The myofascial tissues can develop tight and sensitive areas as the result of injuries, repetitive strain, or stress-related muscle tension. But long after the initial cause has passed, myofascial pain will stick around, and it may continue getting worse.
Myofascial pain can take many forms and affect different areas of the body. It may start as knots in your muscles, reduced flexibility, or pain in your back, shoulders, legs, or hips.
Here are some common symptoms:
- Deep, aching muscle pain
- Pain that won’t go away and gradually worsens
- Persistent muscle knots
- Trouble sleeping due to pain
- Myofascial release: A treatment that uses massage to relax myofascial trigger points.
- Dry needling: Involves poking trigger points with a needle to make them relax. It differs from acupuncture in the needles are repeatedly poked in and out, and it can be painful.
- Trigger point injections: Involves injecting saline or a local anesthetic into the trigger points.
Medications: A variety of medications are used to ease symptoms. That includes anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Physiotherapy treatments at Activa can include myofascial release. This treatment is simple, painless, and non-invasive. It involves massaging trigger points to release tension and tightness and help return your muscular system to its proper alignment.
The process starts with gentle massage as the physiotherapist looks for areas of myofascial tissue that feel stiff. Once they find a stiff area, they’ll massage and stretch it until the tension is fully released.
In addition, our physiotherapists can create custom treatment plans that are tailored to your unique circumstances, preferences, and needs. A range of therapies can be included in your custom plan, including:
- Exercise and stretching programs
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic
- Acupuncture
- Custom orthotics
- Braces
- Aqua therapy
Here are some tips to help you avoid myofascial pain or speed up your recovery if it does occur:
- Pay more attention to proper posture
- Lose weight
- Maintain an active lifestyle
- Eat well
- Use stress-management techniques
- Follow guidelines for avoiding injuries during sports and exercise
There’s no reason to continue dealing with chronic pain caused by myofascial issues. Treatments like myofascial release can relieve your pain, improve your range of motion, and solve dysfunctions in your muscular system.