Myofascial Pain Syndrome Analysis

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Myofascial pain syndrome is a disorder characterized by persistent and at times severe pain of the muscles. The defining symptom of myofascial pain syndrome is the development of sensitive areas of muscle tenderness and pain caused by areas of tight muscle fibers known as myofascial trigger points. Within the article “Myofascial Pain Syndrome in the Elderly and Self-Exercise: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Control Group” it is explained that with increasing age “the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain is increased 40%-60%.” Thus, it is highly important to have constructive and effective ways of dealing with muscle pain of such caliber. Moreover, it is just as important to have research behind certain methods in order to educate the “at risk” population, …show more content…

The physical therapists who completed the actual treatment had nothing less than four years of clinical experience each. When ultrasound therapy was completed the session lasted for five minutes each time and was performed on an area of 40cm squared around the patient’s marked myofascial trigger points. The SEIB group used a durable silicone ball which was inflatable and therefore adjustable. In order to provide “tailored pressure” the individuals of the SEIB group were allowed to adjust the ball themselves with an air pump depending on how sensitive their myofascial trigger points happened to be. The sessions of SEIB therapy lasted for ten minutes each. In conclusion, after measurements were recorded for four weeks the evaluators came to the conclusion that researched “showed no significant differences between the SEIC and ultrasound groups” in the visual analog scale, the pain pressure threshold, or the cervical lateral flexion. The article does include graphs of the particular …show more content…

Accordingly, this article is incredibly significant for anyone suffering from this condition. Being able to successfully treat this condition from the comfort of the individual’s home without the need for trips to physical therapists or the expense of doctor visits could greatly improve the quality of life for someone diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome. Moreover, the study was completed with an inexpensive, readily available inflatable silicone exercise ball so as to show it very well can be done without a large added expense. Hopefully this study and ones similar will help spread the fact that self-exercise at home can aid in the quality of life and day to day function in sufferers of myofascial pain

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