What is myofascial pain release?

Introduction:

Myofascial pain is the type of pain which is there in the muscles and connective tissue in body, caused by tightness and sensitivity of myofascial tissues. Myofascia is a type of sheath covering muscles throughout our body which helps to protect and support the muscle in some form or the other. Any injury or trauma to the muscle disrupt the myofascia sheath depending upon the extent of injury. Physical Therapy plays a important role in any type of myofascial pain to overcome it.

What is Myofascial ? 

Myofascial is a sheath covering muscles and supporting them throughout our body,''Myo'' means muscle and ''fascial'' refers to the connective tissue which is a thin layer above the muscles to support and cover muscular portion of our body. Fascia is stretchable, strong and flexible, also able to move without any restrictions. When our body experience any kind of injury or trauma the fascia loses its flexibility and becomes tightened and more rigid. This tightness leads to pain and loss of motion of affected body part which in turn affects the quality of life of person.

Symptom and Cause of Myofascial Pain:

 The symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome include persistent pain, tender muscle knot, pain in the muscle, back, mouth, difficulty falling asleep, sleep disturbances, tenderness, fatigue, and muscle spasm. The exact cause of myofascial pain syndrome is not known, but it is believed to occur when a trigger point in a muscle causes strain and pain throughout the muscle. Poor posture and emotional disturbances are some of the risk factors that can lead to myofascial pain syndrome. If left untreated for a prolonged period, myofascial pain syndrome may lead to sleep problems, fibromyalgia, and widespread pain.

Myofascial Pain Conditions:

It is seen commonly in patient's which have the following-:

➤ Fibromyalgia

➤ Deep vein Thrombosis

➤ Migraine

➤ Post operative muscle spasm

➤ Delayed onset of muscle soreness(DOMS)

➤ Muscle knot or tight muscles

➤ Inflammation like bursitis, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis etc.

➤ Varicose veins

Can Stress Cause Myofascial Pain ?

Yes, stress can be a contributing factor to myofascial pain syndrome. It is believed that people who experience stress and anxiety may be more likely to develop trigger points in their muscles, which can lead to myofascial pain. If you are experiencing persistent pain, tender muscle knots, difficulty sleeping, or fatigue, it is recommended that you consult a physical therapist.

How Myofascial Pain is Release ?

To release the myofascial pain special technique is performed by Physical Therapist to overcome this pain, a licensed qualified Physical therapist has the knowledge of myofascial release(MFR).It takes around 30 to 50 minutes on an average patient to perform this technique, the pain usually originates from specific points within myofascial tissue in muscle called "trigger points" or "muscle knots". So for a therapist it is important to cover the whole muscle group from its origin to insertion point.

After a proper assessment and evaluation of affected muscle a firm pressure is applied by therapist to remove the trigger point and pain around the tight or stiff muscle group. This process is repeated multiple times until the therapist feel the release of complete tension in particular muscle.

Benefits of Myofascial Release:

There is a amount of extra tension in muscles which leads to pain and after releasing that pressure the muscle comes to its original form by MFR, this helps to overcome in conditions like:-

➤  Delayed onset of muscle soreness(DOMS)

➤ reduces fibromyalgia

➤ helps in migraine and headache

➤ decreases the web of varicose veins

➤ low back pain muscle strain and tightness is reduced

➤ Temporo mandibular joint disorder is corrected by MFR

➤ spasm of muscle decreases

➤ recovery of deep vein thrombosis

Role of Physical Therapist in Myofascial pain 

Myofascial release is a hands-on technique performed by professionally qualified licensed Physical therapist to overcome myofascial pain. It is a very delicate process which requires years of experience and knowledge for precise treatment of myofascial pain. Physical therapy should be the first line of treatment rather than chiropractor or occupational therapist for any kind of myofascial pain. In combination with electro-therapy modalities and hands-on technique any type of myofascial pain whether it is acute or chronic can be treated by Physical therapy.

Physical therapy program aids in the relief of myofascial pain is described in the below video and image

Medical Management of Myofascial Pain:

 Medications such as amitriptyline, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, carisoprodol, citalopram, and clonazepam can help relieve pain and discomfort.

The following medications are used to treat Myofascial pain syndrome:

1. Amitriptyline: A nerve pain medication that blocks pain caused by damaged nerves.
2. Ibuprofen and Naproxen sodium: Analgesics that relieve pain.
3. Carisoprodol: A muscle relaxant that reduces muscle tension and helps relieve muscle pain discomfort.
4. Citalopram: An antidepressant that helps reduce pain and improve sleep.
5. Clonazepam: A sedative that relaxes muscles.

What to Eat in Myofascial Pain:

Foods rich in proteins such as fish, cheese, pork, beef, lamb, and green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, lettuce, and brussel sprouts can help alleviate myofascial pain syndrome. 

 Foods to avoid include sugary foods such as chocolates, sodas, and energy drinks that contain carbohydrates. 

Conclusion: 

For any type of myofascial pain whether it is acute or chronic Physical therapy should be the first line of treatment for its recovery. I hope you like this article about knowledge and information regarding myofascial pain, if you have any type of query or question regarding this topic you can reach me.