Methods Of Treating Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Posture Training

In 2014, the science journal Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine described a study that linked habitual poor posture to myofascial pain syndrome. Korean researchers worked with volunteers who had myofascial pain syndrome in or near their necks. They excluded volunteers with known health problems like congenital disabilities, history of surgery or injury, and arthritis. The remaining volunteers were healthy individuals who had developed the bad habit of thrusting their head forward while working on a computer. The researchers recommended exercises to improve their posture.

Posture training exercises are particularly helpful if the pain is in the neck. The therapist will teach the patient exercises to strengthen and relax the affected muscles. Many of the exercises are based on pilates and yoga, and the patient will often maintain a pose for a given time to get the most benefits.

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Stretching

The physical therapist may teach the patient stretching exercises to reduce pain. In the spray and stretch technique, the therapist sprays a cool substance that temporarily numbs the affected muscle and allows the therapist or patient to stretch it and break down the trigger point. Dr. Janet Travell, President Kennedy’s personal physician, both developed the technique and coined the term 'trigger point.'

Spray and stretch works best if done in a warm room, as heat helps relaxes muscles. Similarly, the therapist should cover the places not being treated with a blanket. Spray and stretch works particularly well on large muscle groups with multiple trigger points. While the patient lies down, the therapist gently massages their body seeking the tight places that indicate trigger points. They then make two or three passes with the spray over the area containing the trigger points. After waiting a few seconds, they then gently stretch the affected muscle to its full extent.

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