New Trends in the Treatment and Management of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Myofascial pain syndrome presents a significant physical and financial burden to society. In view of the aging demographics, myofascial pain promises to be an even greater challenge to health care in the future. Myofascial trigger points have been identified as important anatomic and physiologic phenomena in the pathophysiology of myofascial pain. While their pathophysiologic mechanisms are still unclear, emerging research suggests that trigger points may be initiated by neurogenic mechanisms secondary to central sensitization, and not necessarily by local injury. A variety of treatments are employed in the management of trigger points, including manual therapy, electrotherapy, exercise, and needle therapy. Therapeutic ultrasound demonstrates significant potential as a safe, cost-effective, and relatively noninvasive therapeutic alternative in the treatment and management of this modern day medical enigma.

Efficacy of Thrust and Nonthrust Manipulation and Exercise With or Without the Addition of Myofascial Therapy for the Management of Acute Inversion Ankle Sprain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…32 It has also recently been demonstrated that localized mechanical pain hypersensitivity over ankle ligaments and the lateral malleolus exists in individuals with lateral ankle sprains. 26 This suggests that the peripheral sensitization secondary to the acuteness of the injury postlateral ankle sprain may be positively affected by myofascial techniques.…”

Effects of Treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points on the Pain of Fibromyalgia

“…The most frequently applied techniques for TrP deactivation are spray and stretch, TrP pressure release, and local injection (see [7,17] for a more detailed description of these and other techniques). The latter represents the gold standard; it can consist of "dry needling" or injection of active substances, particularly local anesthetics.…”

A new insight into the management of myofascial pain syndrome

“…The most recommended medical therapies include analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, myorelaxants and tricyclic antidepressants, anxiolytics and anticonvulsants (6,7).…”

“…In addition, diclofenac patches on the trigger points in the trapezius muscle were associated with improved clinical scores (9). Furthermore, short-term muscle relaxants may be used in patients with typical manifestations of MPS along with generalized muscle spasms (7). In a study investigating the efficacy of thiocolchicoside ointment or thiocolchicoside injections, the authors reported that both management modalities were effective alternatives in the management of MPS (10).…”