The Chronic Pain Center
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is myofascial trigger point pain?
- Why do muscles tighten and cause chronic pain?
- What are common perpetuating factors?
- What conditions can you help?
- How does myofascial treatment differ from physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage?
- Where can I learn more?
Myo means muscle. Fascia is the thin, translucent film that wraps around muscle tissue. Fascia is the extensive, gauze-like network that gives shape to the body and supports its musculature.
Trigger points are tender spots that can develop anywhere in a muscle following chronic overload. They can also be caused by poor posture or trauma, such as a broken bone, surgery, sports injury, whiplash, or from repetitive motion.
Often, where the pain is felt is not where it originates. The muscular system often refers pain to other parts of the body, making it difficult for those not familiar with Trigger Point Myotherapy to determine the pain's source. For example, common trigger points in the major neck muscle can irritate nerves causing tingling in the arm and numb fingers.
Trigger points may be active or latent. Active trigger points cause muscular pain and will refer pain and tenderness to another area of the body when pressure is applied. Latent trigger point have all the characteristics of active points but exhibit pain only on compression. Latent trigger points are believed to be one of the causes of stiff joints and restricted range of motion in old age.
Trigger points may be associated with myofascial pain syndromes. Trigger points are very common. Some might refer to trigger points as muscle knots.
2. Why do muscles tighten and cause chronic pain?
Muscles contract whenever we use them. Unfortunately, they do not always relax back to a neutral resting position. We all know there are areas where our bodies are tight, where we carry stress. We change the way we sit, stand, and move to accommodate that tightness. These changes are called perpetuating factors.
The body tries to handle the tightness as best it can. That tension in the muscles, accumulates over days, months, and years. Just like drops of water eventually filling a bucket, the tension in the muscle is more than the body can handle and a trigger point is established. That trigger point, an irritable spot in the muscle causes it to stay contracted and results in a medically documented pain pattern. Often where the pain is felt is not where it originates.
The goal is to reverse the involved tightness and pain by eliminating the perpetuating factors, then through stretching, return the muscles to their full functioning length. This allows the muscles to return to full use as they learn to function correctly. This leaves you free to enjoy work and activities without tightness or pain.
3. What are common perpetuating factors?
STRUCTURAL STRESSES
Different leg lengths
Pronation - flat feet
small hemi-pelvis
POSTURAL STRESSES
Sleep positions
Sitting positions (watching television, reading, at the computer, driving, etc.)
Head forward/round shoulders
Standing positions
SLEEP STRESSES
Finding comfortable positions
Difficult getting to sleep
Difficult staying asleep
NUTRITIONAL INADEQUACIES
Low vitamin/mineral levels
Inadequate eating habits/food choices
OCCUPATION STRESS
Improper office chair, desk height, and phone
Hours/breaks
SOCIAL/Psychological PRESSURES
Stress - good and bad
Lifestyle/activities
4. What conditions can you help?
| Tendinitis TMJ Knee, ankle, foot pain Rotator cuff Hip pain/sciatica Carpal tunnel syndromes Tennis elbow Plantar fasciitis |
Bursitis Fibromyalgia Whiplash Low back pain Failed back surgery Accidents Vertigo Headaches |
5. How does myofascial treatment differ from physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage?
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Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy |
Alternative treatment therapys |
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PAIN DOCUMENTATION
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Pain source |
Pain site |
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Range of motion testing |
Strength testing |
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Muscular differential diagnosis |
Traditional diagnosis |
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Perpetuating factors |
Precipitating factors |
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TREATMENT
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Myofascial origin |
Symptoms |
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Pain elimination |
Pain management |
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Total trigger point treatment |
Pain site treatment |
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Total person treatment |
Pain site treatment |
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Movement |
Rest |
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Hand-on treatment |
Mechanical treatment |
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Heat |
Cold |
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REHABILITATION
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Stretch |
Strength |
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No pain range of motion |
Pain for gain |
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Muscle retraining |
Muscle conditioning |
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6. Where can I learn more?
American Institute for Myofascial Studies
National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point therapists
Dr. Gabe Mirkin
American Academy of Pain Management
The Chronic Pain Center
6417 Loisdale Road, Suite 311
Springfield, Virginia 22150
Frank Gresham, CMTPT
703-313-8550
FAX 703-313-8240
wfsgiv@earthlink.net
6417 Loisdale Road, Suite 311
Springfield, Virginia 22150
Frank Gresham, CMTPT
703-313-8550
FAX 703-313-8240
wfsgiv@earthlink.net
