Myofascial Trigger Points

Most Common Cause of Chronic Pain and Limited Range of Motion Put simply, myofascial trigger points are painful, hyper-irritable areas in muscles that cause pain, stiffness, limited range of motion and sometimes other symptoms. They can refer pain to other parts of the body - sometimes very far from their original location. As a result they are often misdiagnosed. Myofascial trigger points are a very common problem that can lead to severe pain and other puzzling symptoms, which are often misdiagnosed.

Trigger points are always created in certain places in a muscle and always refer pain to the same areas. However, because there are hundreds of muscles in the body, there are hundreds of possible locations for trigger points. Also, trigger points in one muscle tend to create trigger points in other nearby muscles. Myofascial trigger points are classified as either active or latent (inactive). Latent ones do not cause pain, but can still reduce range of motion. An active trigger point is easy to recognize by pressing on it, because it feels very painful. Often it is also palpable as a small "knot".

What Causes Trigger Points Repetitive movements and prolonged use of the same muscles are common causes of trigger points. However, a sedentary lifestyle is also a risk factor. As a result pretty much any job can cause trigger points, whether it involves physical labour or prolonged sitting or standing. Poor posture promotes trigger points, but the reverse is also true.

Myofascial Trigger Points and Headaches

Migraines and Tension Headaches May All Have a Common Cause .
Headaches are often classified into
 migraines,
 cluster headaches,
 tension headaches and
 cervicogenic headaches.
Headaches can be very disabling and worrisome, causing fears about a brain tumor or other serious condition.
Traditionally these headaches have been thought to have different causes and they are usually treated differently. However, many doctors in US now, believe that myofascial trigger points (hypersensitive areas in muscles) may be a factor in all types of headaches. Even if you don't think you have such trigger points, you may be wrong.


Trigger Points and Headaches
Many migraineurs have noticed soreness in their scalp or facial muscles and people diagnosed with tension headaches are often aware of having a stiff neck or shoulder trouble, but often the trigger points can be in a muscle you would not associate with headaches at all.
The most insidious thing about myofascial trigger points is the way they can refer pain - always in a predictable pattern, but most doctors don't know these patterns. A trigger point in the back, shoulders and chest can manifest as headaches, even in the absence of pain in the affected muscle.


Treatment
Myofascial trigger points are luckily treatable. Studies show that various trigger point treatments can significantly reduce headache frequency, intensity and duration.
Once you find the trigger points you can apply acupressure or self-massage into them.
In one study trigger point acupuncture proved as effective as the common prophylactic drug metoprolol (a beta blocker) in migraine prevention, but was better tolerated

Physiotherapist

Who is physiotherapist?
-A physiotherapist or physical therapist is a health care professional who specialises in maximising human movement,function and potential.

What is physiotherapist work for?

-A physiotherapist may work with someone after injury,accident or surgery, so that patinet regain their independence and return to work faster, or may work to prevenr injury for instance with sporting clubs or overuse syndrome in the workplace , such as neck pain or low back pain.

What is physiotherapy treatment?
-Physiotherapy is scientific and evidence-based medical treatment, including a wide range of treatment methods,basically divided into


i)   Physical assessment: assessment on physical joint and muscular system's mobility, joint alignment. From the assessment, Physiotherapist develops a clear plan of action for its future management, and estimation of number and frequency of treatments needed and outline actiivities for home and work to help your problem. Relief can be dramatic and long lasting.
ii)  Manual therapy : hands on treatment e.g. soft tissue manipulation,joint mobilisation , spinal manipulation.
iii) Electrotherapy to reduce pain and inflammation; e.g. interferential currect, low frequency current, ultrasound therapy, spinal traction.
iv)  Exercise therapy ; stretching and strengthening exercises , core muscle stability exercises.
v)   Education; advice on suitable exercises, foot wear and posture care.


What can patient expect from physiotherapy treatment?
-After physiotherapy treatment you should have less pain,feel more mobile,flexible and comfortable in your movements.
-Sometimes, there mayeb some mild treatment soreness because physiotherapists may mobilise the stiff joint and moblilisation may stretch on the tight soft tissue, e.g. tendon,ligament,capsule,which may produce after treatment soreness.
-However,it may take period of time to recover,because,to loosen the tight joints or tissue with conservative method may need some times.


Conditions for physiotherapist treatment?
-Physiotherapist can work with you to achieve better and more cost-effective care. Some of the areas where physiotherapist can help are;
-Treating and reduce disomfort in patient who have acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain,
Including ::
*Low back pain and neck pain.
*Joint pain including osteoarrthritis of hip.knee.shoulder,elbow.
*Prolapsed intervertebral disc or slip disc,spinal stenosis,sciatica pain.
*Cervical or lumbar spondylosis.
*Soft tissue injuries e.g. Frozen shoulder,wrist De quervain syndrome, heel pain(plantar fasciitis)
*Sport injuries e.g. shoulder rotator calf injury,tennis elbow,golfer elbow,wrist injury,sprain ankle,others tendinitis and ligament injuries.