Clinical care for myofascial pain

Abstract

Myofascial pain (MFP) is a regional muscle pain disorder characterized by localized tenderness in taut muscle bands and referred pain. Frequently, MFP is overlooked as a common cause of chronic pain because of the frequent association with joint dysfunction and other pain disorders and the multiple behavioral and psychosocial contributing factors that are often present. Nonetheless, studies have reported that MFP is present in a significant number of people. This article describes current concepts for the diagnosis and management of MFP.