Seeking the Cause of Myofascial Pain Syndrome by Identifying which Manual Therapy is Effective against Muscle Tenderness and Stiffness

Abstract

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify which manual therapy technique was effective against muscle tenderness and stiffness of myofascial pain syndrome and then, based on the result, to determine the cause of myofascial pain syndrome.[Subjects] The subjects were 23 men and 67 women who had an average age of 65.5 ± 19.0 years. All subjects had normal results in imaging and neurological examinations but complained of chronic pain along with muscle tenderness and stiffness.[Methods] Using a muscle hardness meter, the muscle hardness of the tender, stiff muscles was measured before, immediately after, and 1 week after manual therapy. The subjects were divided into two groups according to the therapy given myotherapy/massage, to provide direct stimulus to the muscle, or joint facilitation/joint mobilization, to improve functional joint disorders. Statistical analysis was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA, and multiple comparisons were performed.[Results] A significant difference in muscle hardness was seen between pre-treatment and post-treatment. A significant difference in muscle hardness was seen between before and 1 week after manual therapy, but not between post-treatment and 1 week after. A significant difference was seen between the direct stimulus to muscle technique and the functional joint disorder technique. Post-treatment muscle hardness decreased more with direct muscle stimulus than with the functional joint disorder technique, and muscle stiffness was decreased even 1 week after treatment.[Conclusion] Manual therapy for muscle tenderness and stiffness of myofascial pain syndrome was effective at reducing muscle stiffness. Moreover, techniques that provide direct stimulus to the muscle are better at reducing voluntary muscle stiffness than techniques that improve functional joint disorders.

<b>The impact of high-frequency magnetic stimulation of peripheral nerves: muscle hardness, venous blood flow, and motor function of upper extremity in healthy </b><b>subjects </b>

“…Due to its simplicity and convenience, muscle hardness measurement via a mechanical muscle hardness meter has been utilized in various settings including studies on the correlation with muscle fatigue, association with muscle overuse in sports (15), and association with myofascial pain (8). In the present study, we did not observe changes in muscle hardness before and after magnetic stimulation with a mechanical muscle hardness meter.…”

Short-term effects of self-massage combined with home exercise on pain, daily activity, and autonomic function in patients with myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome

“…Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) is defined as chronic skeletal muscle pain caused by multiple trigger points and fascial constrictions. People with MPDS have limited daily activity functions due to the severe and chronic pain they experience 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) . When trigger spots are activated, referred pain and other autonomic nervous system (ANS) reactions are induced 5 , 6 , 7 ) .…”

“…The goals of treating MPDS are reduction of muscle tension and pain, amelioration of the myogenic dysfunction, recovery from muscle imbalance, increase of muscle flexibility, and finally normalization of muscle activity 2 , 11 , 12 ) . The common treatments for MPDS are analgesic drugs, dry needle therapy, laser exposure, ultrasonic treatments, and physical therapy 1 , 6 , 7 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ) .…”

Effect of a Brief Seated Massage on Nursing Student Attitudes Toward Touch for Comfort Care

“…36 Significantly reduced pain and anxiety in patients with chronic nonmalignant pain following nurse-administered 15-minute back massage has been reported. 37 With respect to the musculoskeletal system, massage is reported to decrease muscle hardness and muscle stiffness in patients with myofascial pain syndrome, 38 to increase range of motion at the hip following massage at the musculotendinous junction of the hamstrings, 39 and to decrease episiotomy rates and shorten duration of delivery following massage of the perineum during the second stage of delivery. 40 The effect of differential intensities of touch has also been studied.…”