Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)

Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a chronic pain disorder characterized by the development of trigger points in muscles and fascia, which cause localized pain and referred pain patterns to other areas of the body.

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Understanding Myofascial Pain

What is Myofascial Pain?

Healthy Baseline

Optimal function

When Myofascial Pain Occurs

Common presentations

Types & Variants

Types of Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)

Active Trigger Points

Most common in symptomatic patients

Trigger points that cause pain at rest and with movement

Pain is present without stimulation
Cause spontaneous pain
More severe and debilitating
Require immediate treatment

Latent Trigger Points

Very common, often undetected

Dormant trigger points that cause pain only when pressed

Do not cause spontaneous pain
Only painful when palpated
May become active with stress
Can cause restricted movement

Primary Myofascial Pain

Common presentation

Pain originating directly from trigger points without underlying pathology

Direct result of muscle/fascia dysfunction
Not secondary to other conditions
Responds well to direct treatment
Good prognosis with proper care

Secondary Myofascial Pain

Common in clinical practice

Myofascial pain that occurs as a result of another condition

Underlying pathology triggers muscle changes
May require treating underlying cause
Often coexists with other conditions
Prognosis depends on primary condition

Pathophysiology

How This symptom Develops

Understanding the biological mechanisms behind this symptom helps explain why certain treatments are effective

Step

Trigger Point Formation

Step

Energy Crisis

Step

Sensitization

Step

Referred Pain Pattern

Step

Fascia Restriction

Understanding Helps Treatment

By understanding how This symptom develops at the physiological level, our medical team can target treatments more precisely. This knowledge allows us to address not just the symptoms, but the underlying mechanisms driving your condition. Each step in this process represents a potential intervention point for effective treatment.

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Root Causes

What's Causing Your This symptom

Identifying the underlying causes of this symptom allows us to target treatment effectively for lasting results.

How We Assess Causes

Our comprehensive evaluation combines detailed health history, advanced diagnostic testing, and constitutional assessment to identify the unique combination of factors contributing to your this symptom.

Health HistoryPhysical ExamLab TestingConstitutional Assessment

Important Note

The probabilities shown are based on clinical research and our patient population. Your individual case may have different contributing factors. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine your specific root causes.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs & Symptoms of Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)

Frequency

Timing

Duration

Clustering

Associated Conditions

Connection: Often coexists; trigger points may be a component of fibromyalgia

Connection: Trigger points in neck and shoulder muscles commonly cause tension headaches

Connection: Trigger points in jaw and neck muscles contribute to TMD pain

Connection: Myofascial pain commonly coexists with CFS/ME

Connection: Poor posture both causes and results from myofascial pain

Connection: Frequently develops trigger points following whiplash injury

Clinical Assessment

Clinical Assessment for Myofascial Pain

History Taking

Detailed discussion of pain location, onset, triggers, activities that worsen or relieve pain, and impact on daily life

Why it matters:

Physical Examination

Palpation of muscles for trigger points, assessment of range of motion, posture evaluation, and identification of referred pain patterns

Why it matters:

Trigger Point Identification

Systematic palpation of affected muscle groups to identify characteristic tender bands and trigger points

Why it matters:

Referred Pain Mapping

Mapping of pain patterns to identify characteristic myofascial referral zones

Why it matters:

Functional Assessment

Evaluation of movement patterns, posture, and muscle imbalances contributing to the problem

Why it matters:

Differential Diagnosis

Generalized widespread pain vs. localized trigger points; fibromyalgia has multiple tender points throughout the body

Key Distinction:

Nerve root compression causes neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness) that follow dermatomal patterns

Key Distinction:

Joint pain with specific joint involvement, often with visible inflammation

Key Distinction:

Muscle disease causes generalized weakness, not localized trigger points

Key Distinction:

Nerve damage causes burning, tingling, numbness in nerve distribution

Key Distinction:

Proper diagnosis requires evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Do not self-diagnose based on this information.

Our 6x6 Service Matrix for Myofascial Pain

At Healers Clinic, we offer comprehensive treatment integrating all 36 services from our 6x6 Service Matrix to address myofascial pain from multiple angles.