Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a painful condition, affecting the muscles and the connecting fascia. MPS is one of the most common causes of pain. MPS is often characterised by sensitive/painful localised areas known as Trigger Points. These trigger points, when pressed or irritated, refer pain to other parts of the body (referred pain).
What are the symptoms of MPS?
As MPS is a chronic pain condition, it affects each person differently. The pain can be dull, constant or sharp. The length of the painful episode can vary from few minutes to a few weeks. The most common symptoms are
- Trigger points
- Muscle soreness
- Weakness in the affected region
- Reduced movement of the affected joint/s
- Tiredness
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Stress/anxiety
What causes MPS?
There are many ways we can get MPS. The most common causes are
- Trauma
- Repetitive stress to the area
- Lack of activity
- Nutritional deficiencies (mostly Vitamins)
- Generalised fatigue – (Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
- Inflammatory conditions – (IBS, appendicitis, rheumatoid arthritis etc)
How do we diagnose MPS?
There are no specific tests (blood tests, X-Rays, MRI scans, biopsy etc) that diagnose MPS. The diagnosis is based on a clinical case history and a physical examination by your therapist.
How do we manage MPS?
As MPS has complex and multifactorial causes, it is treated and managed with a combination of physical therapy, exercises, activity modification and pain medication as the core of the treatment. This is often supplemented by nutritional changes, psychotherapy and acupuncture.
Here at Woodside Clinic, our team of physiotherapists, osteopaths, acupuncturists, psychotherapist and nutritional therapist have the expertise to help you manage the condition and allow you to lead a lifestyle that is not constrained by MPS.
If you have any further queries, please contact the team at Woodside Clinic on 01582 608400 or 01525 372447.