What is Myofascial Pain?
Myofascial pain is localized musculoskeletal pain. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), is a syndrome characterized by chronic pain caused by multiple trigger points and fascial constrictions. Characteristic features of a myofascial trigger point include focal point tenderness, reproduction of pain upon trigger point palpation, hardening of the muscle upon trigger point palpation, pseudo-weakness of the involved muscle, referred pain and limited range of motion.
Myofascial pain can occur in discreet, isolated areas of the body and may cause a variety of localized symptoms. The muscular pain is typically constant, achy, and deep. The intensity can range from mild discomfort to excruciating and "lightning-like". Nodules, or what feels like knots may be visible or felt beneath the skin. Oftentimes the pain does not resolve on its own, even after typical first-aid self care remedies such as ice, heat, and rest.
(source: Wikipedia)
Myofascial pain can occur in discreet, isolated areas of the body and may cause a variety of localized symptoms. The muscular pain is typically constant, achy, and deep. The intensity can range from mild discomfort to excruciating and "lightning-like". Nodules, or what feels like knots may be visible or felt beneath the skin. Oftentimes the pain does not resolve on its own, even after typical first-aid self care remedies such as ice, heat, and rest.
(source: Wikipedia)
What is Fascia?
The Fascia Nomenclature Committee defines fascia as "a sheath, a sheet, or any other dissectible aggregations of connective tissue that forms beneath the skin to attach, enclose, and separate muscles and other internal organs. The fascial system consists of the three‐dimensional continuum of soft, collagen containing, loose and dense fibrous connective tissues that permeate the body.
The fascial system surrounds, interweaves between, and interpenetrates all organs, muscles, bones, and nerve fibers, endowing the body with a functional structure, and providing an environment that enables all body systems to operate in an integrated manner."
According to Thomas Findley, MD, PhD, "fascia is the soft-tissue component of the connective tissue system that permeates the human body, forming a continuous, whole-body, three-dimensional matrix of structural support. It interpenetrates and surrounds all organs, muscles, bones, and nerve fibers, creating a unique environment for body systems functioning. The scope of our definition and interest in fascia extends to all fibrous connective tissues, including aponeuroses, ligaments, tendons, retinacula, joint capsules, organ and vessel tunics, the epineuria, the meninges, the periostea, and all the endomysial and intermuscular fibers of the myofasciae."
The fascial system surrounds, interweaves between, and interpenetrates all organs, muscles, bones, and nerve fibers, endowing the body with a functional structure, and providing an environment that enables all body systems to operate in an integrated manner."
According to Thomas Findley, MD, PhD, "fascia is the soft-tissue component of the connective tissue system that permeates the human body, forming a continuous, whole-body, three-dimensional matrix of structural support. It interpenetrates and surrounds all organs, muscles, bones, and nerve fibers, creating a unique environment for body systems functioning. The scope of our definition and interest in fascia extends to all fibrous connective tissues, including aponeuroses, ligaments, tendons, retinacula, joint capsules, organ and vessel tunics, the epineuria, the meninges, the periostea, and all the endomysial and intermuscular fibers of the myofasciae."
Symptom Checker
The National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists (NAMTPT), has provided a tool that allows you to check your symptoms to see where your myofascial pain might be originating from. Click on the button below to go to the Symptom Checker. Please keep in mind that this is simply a tool, and is not a substitute for examination and diagnosis by a physician or professional Myofascial Pain Specialist.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist Directory
The NAMTPT provides a Therapist Directory to help connect you with members of the National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists. Click on the button below to get started.
Recommended Books
These are books I highly recommend for those who are interested in learning more about myofascial pain and how to treat it. Here you will find a list of these books, along with a short description and links of where to buy them.