What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder. Most commonly found in your upper back, neck and shoulders. Myofascial pain is summed up as pressure on sensitive points in your muscle, also known as trigger points. This can typically happen after repeated injury or muscle overuse.
This type of muscle pain typically has an aching, burning, stinging or stabbing sensation. Luckily there are a couple of different treatments that Physical Therapy can do to help relieve the pressure:
Dry needling-
This method is performed by injecting thin needles (similar to the ones used during acupuncture) in the trigger point. By moving the needles gently it stimulates blood flow to the trigger point which can help relax the tight muscle.
IASTM-
(Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization) also known as “scraping” has several benefits such as faster pain relief, improved mobility, and quicker recovery. IASTM focuses on specific areas to relieve stiffness and improve the range of motion. By using different tools, angles and pressures the Physical Therapist can focus on a specific layer of soft tissue during treatment.
Foam Rolling Plays An Important Role
We highly recommend consulting in a Physical Therapist if you are having myofascial pains. However, whether you receive any treatments for the pain, it is always encouraged to continue the healing process at home. Foam rolling is a simple, yet extremely effective way to help work out the sensitive points. Foam rolling the effected area after exercise can help make sure the muscle doesn’t tighten back up. Below are examples of different ways to stretch with a foam roller based on point of impact. On top of foam rolling you can also use heat on the effected area (heat pack, sauna, hot bath). Anti-inflammatories and water are also great ways to help ease the soreness.
