Myofascial trigger points (MFTPs) are a common cause of chronic neck and back pain. They are localised segments of muscle that are thought to be traumatised by acute injury or microtrauma from repetitive stress. MFTPs can occur in any muscle.
At Body@Boronia, we can identify small knots (2-5 mm in diameter) and tight bands within affected muscles that are painful when touched. Our therapists do this by applying pressure on sensitive points in your muscles (trigger points) which causes pain in the muscle and sometimes in seemingly unrelated parts of your body. This is called referred pain.
Diagnostic imaging is not helpful and is only considered to rule out other causes of muscle pain.
Myofascial Trigger Points are common, especially in the neck, shoulder, and chest area. Up to 85% of back pain and 55% of neck pain and headaches are caused by myofascial pain. Women (aged 30-50) are normally more affected than men. Often, MFTPs are associated with poor posture.
MFTPs frequently produce neurological complaints including headache, dizziness, sensory symptoms, and gastrointestinal problems.
If there is a multitude of MFTP in one area or surrounding areas, this is referred to as Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS).
Myofascial Pain Syndrome normally occurs after a muscle has been contracted repetitively. This can be caused by repetitive motions at work, during hobbies or by stress-related muscle tension.
