Myofascial Pain Syndrome

In the delivery of myofascial release therapy, there are certain techniques that the therapist uses to facilitate release of the myofascial tissue. Myofascial release techniques refers to the various ways that the myofascial release therapist manipulates the soft tissues to promote release of the tight myofascia and relief of myofascial pain.

There are various manual techniques that are used to manipulate the soft myofascial tissue. Your therapist may use one, some or all of these techniques, depending on how your body responds to the therapy. The Benefits of Myofascial Release Therapy include:

Connective tissue massage
Foam rolling
Strain-counterstrain techniques
Soft tissue mobilization
Structural integration

These may be strange terms for the non-medical person, but the point to be made is that myofascial release is much more than a simple massage.

Two Categories Of The Myofascial Release Techniques

Myofascial release techniques fall under two categories. These categories are:

Passive
Active

Passive myofascial release techniques are performed with the patient staying completely relaxed.

Active techniques are performed with the patient actively participating to provide resistance as needed.

The two categories of myofascial release techniques are further divided into two types- indirect and direct.

Direct Myofascial Release Techniques

The Direct Release Myofascial Technique involves deep tissue manipulation to work with the restricted, or tight, myofascial tissue. Gentle, sustained force is applied until the tissue is released.

Using their fingers, knuckles, elbows and other tools, the practitioner works to slowly stretch the tight fascia, applying a stretching force to the tissue. This purpose of this stretching force is to elongate the tightened fascia and release the ‘stuck’ fascial tissue.

Because the fascia is layered, the practitioner needs to work slowly through each layer to reach down to the deep tissue.

Indirect Myofascial Release Techniques

With the indirect method, the myofascial release technique used is one of a gentle stretching with light pressure. This allows the fascia to slowly ‘unwind’ until free movement is once again possible.

The gentle stretching that is applied to the tightened myofascial increases the heat and blood flow to the area. This process promotes the body’s innate ability to heal itself. The healing eliminates the pain and restore the body to its optimum ability.

Your myofascial release therapist will utilize both passive and active treatments along with the indirect and direct methods in order to free you of the pain. Each therapist may differ in their approach as they have developed their own style, awareness and experience with the release technique using myofascial massage therapy.

The Principles And Benefits of Myofascial Release Therapy

A renowned physical therapist and psychotherapist Carol Manheim, author of The Myofascial Release Manual, summarizes the principles of myofascial release therapy as follows:

Fascia covers all organs of the body.
Muscle and fascia cannot be separated.
All muscle stretching is myofascial stretching.
Myofascial stretching in one area of the body can be felt in and will affect the other body areas.
Release of myofascial restrictions can affect other body organs through a release of tension in the whole fascia system.
Myofascial release techniques work even though the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood.

As Ms. Manheim states above, myofascial release techniques work. This can be attested to by the many people who once suffered with severe myofascial pain syndrome.

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Causes

The exact cause of this chronic condition is unknown. Myofascial pain syndrome often occurs after muscle straining, overstretching or repetitive motion. It can also take place as a result of immobility or lack of activity of the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Examples of these conditions are stroke, injury in the vertebral disc or after having a broken bone.

Symptoms of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

The foremost symptom of this problem is a long-lasting, continuous pain along the neck, shoulders, chest and lower back. You may feel pain or the pain might get worse after placing pressure on the trigger points. These trigger points can also worsen after activity or stress. In myofascial pain syndrome, the muscles involved are usually swollen.

Other symptoms include:

A muscle that is tender or sensitive to touch

Limited range of motion in the affected area

Muscle pain that occurs when pressing trigger points

Weakness on the affected muscle

Pain sensation that feels like stabbing, stinging, aching or burning

Aside from the symptoms that revolve around pain, this condition can also be associated with other common health problems like fatigue, sleeping problems, depression, behavioral changes and tension headache.

The physician is the best person who can diagnose this problem for treating chronic pain. Self-diagnosis is not encouraged.

The physician starts by assessing any history of a recent injury. He will then assess the location, duration, character and frequency of pain. To confirm the diagnosis, the physician will perform a physical exam, especially on the trigger points. He will identify the trigger points based on the pressure applied on the common areas that are affected. He will also test to see if some other factors are causing your pain.

Diagnosis And Guidelines For Treating Chronic Pain

If you are diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome, the first step in treating this condition is to ask for advice from your physician. The treatment requirements may vary depending on the intensity and duration of pain.

The physician guidelines for treating chronic pain usually prescribes anti-inflammatory and painkillers. Sometimes, he will also recommend muscle relaxants and anti-depressants to soothe the muscles from pain, treat sleeping problems, fatigue and insomnia.

Local anesthetics can also be injected directly at the trigger points. Trigger point injections are usually intended for treating chronic pain cases.

Non-invasive therapies like hypnosis, massage, pain management and stretching exercises can also help. They are inexpensive, convenient and generally safe.

As the symptoms subside, most of your activities can be increased. Just make sure to increase them gradually. If you will abruptly increase your activates, pain may re-occur.

Myofascial pain syndrome can be a very frustrating and distressing condition. However, arming yourself with sufficient knowledge and understanding of this condition can help you combat the problem.