What is the current scientific consensus on myofascial trigger points?

  • Thread starter Awwtumn
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Point
In summary, this person is concerned that people might get sued if they are not properly diagnosed with trigger points.
  • #1
Awwtumn
47
3
Poster has been reminded to always post links to the mainstream scientific reading they have been doing when starting threads in the technical PF forums
What is your thought and experience about it?

What the mainstream consensus about it by general populations and by experts?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
What's a myofascial trigger point?
 
  • #3
Awwtumn said:
What is your thought and experience about it?

What the mainstream consensus about it by general populations and by experts?
Please check your PMs. We require that you post links to the mainstream scientific reading you have been doing while trying to answer your question. With a simple Google search I found many such links, including one from the Mayo Clinic.

Please post your links, and ask *specific* questions about the reading you have been doing. That would be a much better start to this discussion. Thank you.
 
  • Like
Likes jim mcnamara and BillTre
  • #4
Even the Mayo clinic views were being refuted. For example:

https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/54/3/392/1796114

"Introduction
The phenomena of muscle pain and tenderness in the absence of obvious disease are well recognized but poorly understood. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a popular explanatory model, which posits a local (muscle) origin of nociception called the trigger point (TrP) and advocates local treatment, primarily direct manipulation of TrPs using manual pressure or needles, the latter with and without injectate [ 1 , 2 ]. These forms of treatment are being practised worldwide by physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors and various unlicensed and unregulated practitioners [ 3 ].But does the evidence support these concepts? Are the hypotheses generated by MPS theory scientifically sound? And are treatments based on this theoretical model beneficial?This article will show that the theory is flawed both in reasoning and in science. In seeking a resolution, two testable hypotheses are identified that point the way to neuroscientific explanations for the observed clinical phenomena."

Here is Mayo clinic article about the so called "Myofascial Pain Syndrome":

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myofascial-pain-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20375444

"Overview
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder. In this condition, pressure on sensitive points in your muscles (trigger points) causes pain in the muscle and sometimes in seemingly unrelated parts of your body. This is called referred pain.This syndrome typically occurs after a muscle has been contracted repetitively. This can be caused by repetitive motions used in jobs or hobbies or by stress-related muscle tension.While nearly everyone has experienced muscle tension pain, the discomfort associated with myofascial pain syndrome persists or worsens. Treatment options include physical therapy and trigger point injections. Pain medications and relaxation techniques also can help."My questions are:

What you make of refuting paper "A critical evaluation of the trigger point phenomenon" above?

I don't have any trigger points problem so guys, don't worry about getting sued. I heard many threads here got locked immediatley for fear of the website owners gettin sued by improper diagnosis. I'm not seeking any diagnostic but just researching the phenomenon.
 
  • #5
"A review from 2015 in the journal Rheumatology, official journal of the British Society for Rheumatology, came to the conclusion that the concept of myofascial pain caused by trigger points was nothing but an invention without any scientific basis." @Awwtumn
 
  • Like
Likes jim mcnamara

1. What are myofascial trigger points?

Myofascial trigger points are small, localized areas of muscle tension that can cause pain, discomfort, and limited range of motion. They are often described as "knots" in the muscle.

2. What is the current scientific consensus on the existence of myofascial trigger points?

The existence of myofascial trigger points is widely accepted in the scientific community. Numerous studies have demonstrated their presence and their role in musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

3. How are myofascial trigger points diagnosed?

Myofascial trigger points are typically diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare professional. They may also use imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or MRI, to confirm the presence of trigger points.

4. What is the most effective treatment for myofascial trigger points?

There is no single treatment that is considered the most effective for myofascial trigger points. Treatment options may include manual therapy, stretching, exercise, dry needling, and other modalities. The best approach will depend on the individual patient and their specific needs.

5. Can myofascial trigger points be prevented?

While there is no surefire way to prevent myofascial trigger points, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing them. These include maintaining good posture, staying active, managing stress, and avoiding repetitive or prolonged activities that may strain muscles.

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Quantum Interpretations and Foundations
8
Replies
276
Views
4K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
24
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
24
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
812
  • Quantum Interpretations and Foundations
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
9
Views
5K
Back
Top