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:
- being out of shape
- poor posture
- muscle imbalances
- unequal leg length
- joint disorders
- poor sleep hygiene
- nutritional deficiencies
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.
