Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome are two very common chronic pain conditions. Both are very similar in that there is generalized muscle pain along with sleep disturbances contributing to generalized fatigue. The fatigue and pain can become severe enough that it interferes with ones ability to work and function, placing some suffers on disability. While both conditions share similar symptoms, there are two major differences: The first is that with Fibromyalgia there are “tender points”, and with Myofascial Pain Syndrome there are “trigger points”.  The second is that with Fibromyalgia, you have at least 11 of 18 standardized tender points.
In my practice of manual physical therapy I have found that in both conditions, there are components of poor postural habits, restrictions in the extensibility of certain muscles which leads to stiffness in joints, and densifications (knots) at various areas of connective tissue (tissues which rests over and under muscles and organs).  When connective tissue becomes densified it can cause altered muscle firing patters, muscle tightness, and tender points as tightness in one area pulls on connective tissue in another area.  And with Myofascial Pain Syndrome there are both active and latent trigger points. When muscles, tendons, and joints are restricted it becomes nearly impossible for you to correct your posture on your own. And exercise and stretches alone will not help. Those of you that have Fibromyalgia or Myofascial Pain Syndrome may already know this.
By dedicating a least 1 full hour of hands on one on one care, restrictions at various muscles can be identified and released, joints can be mobilized and loosened, and densifications in connective tissue found and treated. It is then that you will begin to FEEL GOOD with your PAIN REDUCED or ELIMINATED! It is then that exercises can be effective in maintaining, strengthening, and stabilizing what was corrected with the hands.
If you live in Ocean county, NJ, Monmouth County, NJ, or eastern portions of Mercer county, NJ, and you are suffering from Fibromyalgia, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, or any other pain condition, read through my website, then give me a call at: (732) 642 – 5055. I treat all pain conditions head to toe.
