Myofascial Pain

What is myofascial pain?

Myofascial pain is a chronic painful condition that affects muscles and the sheath (called fascia) that surrounds the muscles. It is caused by muscle tension, trauma as well as repetitive motion due to work. Typically, knots or taut bands can be felt within the muscle and there are also sensitive areas called trigger points, which are painful when touched.

What is the treatment for myofascial pain?

Avoiding repetitive strain injury, correcting posture, stretching exercises etc. are important in preventing myofascial pain. Physiotherapy and trigger point injections are useful in breaking the vicious cycle and stop the pain from persisting.

How are trigger point injections done?

Trigger points within the muscle are identified manually and a local anaesthetic is injected into the muscle fibre. Repeated trigger point injections may be needed for chronic myofascial pain. Occasionally, Botulinum toxin injection into the trigger point can help prolong the pain relief to about 3-6 months.