Myofascial pain syndrome treatments

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2014 May;25(2):357-74. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2014.01.012. Epub 2014 Mar 17.

Abstract

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a regional pain disorder caused by taut bands of muscle fibers in skeletal muscles called myofascial trigger points. MPS is a common disorder, often diagnosed and treated by physiatrists. Treatment strategies for MPS include exercises, patient education, and trigger point injection. Pharmacologic interventions are also common, and a variety of analgesics, antiinflammatories, antidepressants, and other medications are used in clinical practice. This review explores the various treatment options for MPS, including those therapies that target myofascial trigger points and common secondary symptoms.

Keywords: Myofascial pain syndrome; Myofascial trigger points; Pharmacotherapy; Regional muscle pain; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy / methods
  • Analgesics / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lidocaine / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central / therapeutic use
  • Myofascial Pain Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Myofascial Pain Syndromes / therapy*
  • Pain Management / methods*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tramadol / therapeutic use
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / methods
  • Transdermal Patch
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trigger Points / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central
  • Tramadol
  • Lidocaine