Myofascial Pain Syndrome:

Myofascial Pain Syndrome Treatment in BC

What is myofascial pain?

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by the presence of trigger points in the muscles. These trigger points are hyperirritable spots that can cause pain in a referred pattern and are often associated with taut muscle bands. Neuropathic dysfunction can significantly impact MPS in several ways:

Sensitization:

– Peripheral Sensitization: Damage or dysfunction in peripheral nerves can lead to an increased sensitivity of the nociceptors (pain receptors) within the muscles. This heightened sensitivity can make trigger points more reactive and painful.

– Central Sensitization: Chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, can lead to changes in the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in an exaggerated response to pain. This can amplify the pain experienced from myofascial trigger points.

Neurogenic Inflammation:

– Dysfunctional nerves can release neuropeptides and other inflammatory mediators, leading to neurogenic inflammation. This inflammation can contribute to the formation and maintenance of myofascial trigger points by increasing muscle tissue sensitivity and causing local tissue irritation.

Altered Muscle Function:

– Neuropathic dysfunction can affect the normal function of muscles by altering their innervation. Changes in nerve function can lead to muscle weakness, spasm, or altered muscle tone, contributing to the development and persistence of myofascial trigger points.

Pain Modulation:

– Neuropathic pain can alter the body’s pain modulation systems, such as descending inhibitory pathways, making it harder for the body to manage and mitigate pain signals effectively. This can result in a lower threshold for pain and an increased perception of pain from myofascial trigger points.

How can Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) help with Myofascial Pain?

  • Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), also known as dry needling, can be highly effective in managing myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), particularly when it is influenced by neuropathic dysfunction.

    What are the mechanisms of IMS in Treating Neuropathic Dysfunction

    1. Trigger Point Deactivation:

    – Direct Needling: IMS involves inserting fine needles directly into the myofascial trigger points. This can cause a local twitch response, which helps release the tension in the taut muscle bands and deactivate the trigger points.

    – Pain Relief: The deactivation of trigger points can significantly reduce localized and referred pain associated with MPS.

    2. Neuromodulation:

    – Nerve Stimulation: IMS can stimulate the nervous system, helping to reset abnormal nerve function. This is particularly beneficial when neuropathic dysfunction is a contributing factor, as it can help modulate pain signals and reduce neuropathic pain.

    – Central Sensitization: IMS can help reduce central sensitization, which is an increased sensitivity of the central nervous system to pain. By normalizing nerve function, IMS can decrease the exaggerated pain response.

    3. Increased Blood Flow and Healing:

    – Local Circulation: The needle insertion can increase local blood flow, promoting the healing of muscle tissue and reducing inflammation.

    – Tissue Repair: Enhanced circulation can facilitate the removal of metabolic waste products and the delivery of nutrients necessary for tissue repair.

    4. Muscle Relaxation:

    – Release of Tension: By targeting the trigger points and taut muscle bands, IMS can help relax the muscles, improving overall muscle function and reducing spasms.

    – Improved Mobility: Muscle relaxation can lead to improved mobility and flexibility, helping patients move more freely and with less pain.

    What are the Clinical Benefits of IMS for patients with Myofascial Pain?

    – Rapid Pain Relief: Many patients experience immediate pain relief after IMS sessions, although several treatments may be needed for optimal results.

    – Improved Function: By addressing both myofascial and neuropathic components, IMS can improve overall muscle function and reduce pain, enhancing the patient’s ability to perform daily activities.

    – Complementary Treatment: IMS can be used in conjunction with other physiotherapy modalities, such as manual therapy, exercise programs, and patient education, for a comprehensive treatment approach.

– Rapid Pain Relief: Many patients experience immediate pain relief after IMS sessions, although several treatments may be needed for optimal results.

– Improved Function: By addressing both myofascial and neuropathic components, IMS can improve overall muscle function and reduce pain, enhancing the patient’s ability to perform daily activities.

– Complementary Treatment: IMS can be used in conjunction with other physiotherapy modalities, such as manual therapy, exercise programs, and patient education, for a comprehensive treatment approach.

Manual Therapy

1: Myofascial Release:

– This technique involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to the myofascial connective tissue to release tension and improve movement.

2: Trigger Point Therapy:

– Manual pressure is applied directly to the trigger points to alleviate pain and improve muscle function.

3: Massage Therapy::

– Various massage techniques can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.

Therapeutic Exercises

1: Stretching:

– Regular stretching exercises help lengthen the muscles, reduce tension, and improve flexibility.

– Specific stretches targeting affected muscle groups can help release trigger points.

2: Strengthening Exercises:

-Strengthening exercises improve muscle balance, support posture, and prevent the recurrence of trigger points.

– Focused exercises on weak muscle groups can enhance overall muscle function and stability.

3: Range of Motion Exercises:

– These exercises help maintain or improve joint flexibility and prevent stiffness.

Pain Modulation Techniques

1: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS):

– TENS units deliver low-voltage electrical currents to the skin to help modulate pain signals and provide pain relief.

2: Ultrasound Therapy:

– Ultrasound waves penetrate deep into the tissues, promoting blood flow, reducing inflammation, and aiding in tissue healing.

Neuromuscular Techniques

1: Nerve Mobilization:

– Specific techniques to mobilize and stretch the nerves can help alleviate neuropathic pain and improve nerve function.

2: Desensitization Techniques:

– Gradual exposure to sensory stimuli can help reduce hypersensitivity associated with neuropathic pain.

Posture and Ergonomics

1: Postural Training:

– Education and exercises to improve posture can reduce the strain on muscles and prevent the formation of trigger points.

– Ergonomic assessments and recommendations help optimize workspaces and daily activities to reduce muscle tension and improve posture.

Let’s get you fixed up.

Your current discomfort may stem from other problematic areas of your body. Instead of learning to tolerate the pain, why don’t we work towards eliminating it?

    SEE WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY
    SURREY | SOUTH SURREY | RICHMOND | WHITE ROCK | QUEENSBOROUGH | LANGLEY | LADNER
    Kimberly Toeun
    Kimberly Toeun
    September 15, 2022.
    I have been going here regularly. I have used almost all the services (massage, chiro, acupuncture, physio). All have been absolutely amazing. Everyone I have encountered so far have been super knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. Anyone living in the area I would highly recommend going here. Very convenient location and they do direct billing of course. Really like their online booking system. It’s easy and convenient. Front staff are also very friendly.
    Shreya Keshav
    Shreya Keshav
    August 21, 2022.
    Amazing services. All the therapist are amazing. Specially The Chiropractor- Dr Parm Bisla. He know each and every details of all kind of pain and fix me so many times with my neck pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendentious ankle, lower back pain, vertigo. Basically I need a lot of fixing. So it my one place to go from last 5 years. I wish I could give 10 star ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. It’s so worth it. ❤️❤️🙌🏻🙌🏻
    Martha Delgado
    Martha Delgado
    August 21, 2022.
    I am very pleased with all the services. Katrina and Milan are absolutely amazing I’ve tried Acupunture too, also very good. This Saturday I met Tyler at the front desk for the first time. Best customer service ever. She’s definitely a valuable asset for the Clinic. 👏
    hersh sodhi
    hersh sodhi
    July 20, 2022.
    Went in to see Parm for some wrist and neck problems. We are mid-way through treatment and the pain is non-existent. On top of that, after few adjustments, I am noticing that my senses are heightened and I am thinking clearer, which I was not expecting. Parm's very professional and knowledgable. I highly recommend him.
    jade kennedy
    jade kennedy
    July 7, 2022.
    I have had chronic pain for years and I have been to many different clinics and Pain Free Health is definitely one of the best clinics I’ve been to. The ladies working at the front fest are very friendly and helpful and Ravi (chiro) and Gina (massage) are both awesome. I have had horrible experiences at some other places but everyone at Pain Free seems to truly care about their patients.
    Jeffrey Wall
    Jeffrey Wall
    May 9, 2022.
    This place is awesome. I never miss an appointment because they have a very thorough reminder system. They will do their best to squeeze you in if you are having a hard time. Everyone is friendly and professional. Most of all, their treatment has greatly reduced my pain and increased my mobility. I have and would recommend this clinic or anyone in need.
    Gagan Sandhar
    Gagan Sandhar
    April 16, 2022.
    I’ve been coming here for over a year and have worked with Seeru, Ravi, Milan, Jinhee, and Brenden. Everyone at pain free works to ensure that you have a great experience from the receptionists to the professionals themselves. With their help I’ve seen a great amount of progress and hope to see some more. Keep up the good work team!
    Mark Dhaliwal
    Mark Dhaliwal
    April 13, 2022.
    I have been coming to Pain Free Health for the past year with various injuries. I have had nothing but great success with the healing. I recommend Milan for your physiotherapy needs and Dr Beesla for your Chiropractic needs.
    CONNECT
    CONTACT