Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition that originates in the fascia of muscle tissues. The term myofascial stands muscle tissue (myo) and the connective tissue that surrounds it (fascia). Fascia is made up of thin sheets of tissue that surround and separate muscles and muscle fibers, enabling them to function independently from neighboring tissue. In the trunk and limbs, deep fascia contains and separates groups of muscles into well-defined spaces called compartments. Deep fascia is made of dense sheets of connective tissue with large numbers of collagen fibers.
Sometimes, due to injury or overuse, small areas of fascia can cramp or spasm, creating a tight painful knot that can often be seen beneath the skin’s surface. Those knots, referred to as myofascial trigger points, often appear in areas where connective tissue meets bones, nerves and muscle, often on the limbs and back.
In addition to injury and overuse, other potential causes of trigger point formation include:
Trigger points can be painful when pressure is applied, causing muscle fibers to shorten. They can also cause referred pain, meaning a trigger point in one muscle can create pain in another area of the body. Trigger points can reduce muscle function, causing pain, stiffness and tension, and interfering with physical performance.
Trigger point therapy is aimed at releasing taut myofascial tissue, thereby relieving local muscle pain and referred pain. Trigger point therapy has been proven effective in treating a number of conditions, including:
Trigger point massage therapy is the most common approach to releasing trigger points. A trigger point massage therapist is trained to locate and identify trigger points, and apply appropriate massage techniques.
The myofascial pain specialists at NYDNRehab embrace new technologies and innovative therapies to treat muscle pain.
Some of our treatment methods include:
Unlike acupuncture which seeks to restore energy balance in the body, dry needling is aimed specifically at trigger points, inducing a local twitch response that causes tissue spasms to release and relax.
Cupping creates negative pressure, the opposite of massage, to improve circulation, relieve pain and relax tense muscles.
This non-invasive treatment uses sonic waves to break up scar tissue and stimulate cell metabolism. Shock wave therapy has been proven effective in treating myofascial trigger points.
A massage therapist specially trained in trigger point pressure release technique can successfully help relieve trigger point pain.
At NYDNR, our goal is to relieve pain and restore function, so you can enjoy the very best quality of life.
