Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition that causes pain in the musculoskeletal system. It occurs when there is a pain in a specific region of the muscles. These regions are medically called tension sites and tension nodes, which are collectively referred to as trigger points.
Under normal circumstances, the muscle contracts and relaxes; however, in myofascial syndrome, some fibers will continue to be contracted. This results in a local inflammatory process that intensifies the pain and makes the area sensitive.
There is no known specific cause of myofascial pain syndrome as
the causes might vary widely. They include conditions like stress, anxiety, acute trauma, and even excess strain on the muscle. This means that working in the same position for extended periods of time increases your risk of developing myofascial pain syndrome.
In this article, you will learn about myofascial pain syndrome and how doing massages may help you manage it.
What are the symptoms of myofascial syndrome?
Myofascial pain is typically intense, exhausting, and heavy, but it occasionally can have sharp characteristics like throbbing.
Because pain can be in the way of a particular nerve, it is frequently mistaken for neuropathic pain. The main distinction is that there isn't any nerve compression; instead, the muscle is responsible for the pain, which can only be diagnosed by medical practitioners.
Treatment for myofascial syndrome
The best way to get instant relief from myofascial pain is to see your doctor for a possible surgical procedure. But there are other ways to treat and prevent a future incidence of this condition, and they include:
Posture correction techniques to relieve muscle stress and tension.
Increasing your level of physical activity and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
Stop smoking.
Drink alcohol and beverages containing caffeine in moderation.
Meditation and yoga to relieve emotional stress.
Does massage help myofascial pain?
Massage is the application of force, pressure, or vibration to the body's soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) in a variety of forms and intensities. It can help to relieve all types of pain and improve overall health. There are numerous types of massage, each with its own benefits.
But the type of massage that you need for myofascial pain is the therapeutic relaxation massage. This is a firmer, more intense massage that is used to treat pain. Massage has a similar effect to a painkiller in that it reduces the symptoms of tension and pain. Studies show that stress and poor posture cause muscle fibers to tense, contract, and sustain minor injuries, resulting in a lot of pain. Relaxation massage can help you calm down and ease the tension on your muscle fibers. This will help to increase muscular flexibility, which leads to increased mobility, flow of oxygen, and energy in your body.
Getting a massage can also improve your health by increasing tissue lubrication and stimulating blood flow. It has the ability to reduce inflammation, induce calm, improve your mood, and make you feel better overall.
How do you use the myofascial release massage ball?
The myofascial release massage ball is a natural alternative to traditional massages that is thought to treat a wide range of health conditions such as muscular pain, rheumatic, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. It can help reduce stress and tension in your particular muscle trigger points.
To use the massage ball for myofascial pain relief, you must, first of all, know all your trigger points. This sounds simple, but you cannot do this on your own. Because, sometimes, myofascial pain can deflect to surrounding areas. This means that if you have a trigger point on your head, you might feel pain in your eye, neck, or jaws. So, using a massage ball on your neck when the trigger point is in another area will not ease your pain. That is why it is necessary to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Once you know your trigger points, you can then gently rub the massage ball on the spot. You can use a circular motion or straight-line movement. If your trigger point is on your knee or back, you can place the ball on the floor and move the spot around it.
Also, as with all exercises, you must exercise caution when using massage balls and do not overdo it.
Can you massage out myofascial trigger points?
Yes, you can massage your myofascial trigger points. But you should not apply too much pressure because trigger points are very sensitive.
Always make sure to start with a gentle rub. You can increase the intensity bit by bit. If you feel any sharp pain while massaging your trigger point, it is a signal that you should stop. The goal is to reduce your pain, not make it worst.
How do I give myself myofascial massage?
Massage is a relaxing activity that is performed with your hands, fingers or by using a massage chair. A traditional massage may consist of stretching or rubbing on a specific part of the body. If you are massaging for myofascial pain, make sure you focus on your trigger points.
Alternatively, you can buy handheld massagers on Amazon.com. If the trigger point is on your neck, you can buy a neck massager. There are also many types of general handheld massagers available.
Another great option is to exercise with massage balls. These work well, especially for stress and anxiety relief. If your trigger points are on your hands, then a massage ball might help you ease your pain.
Conclusion
Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition that leads to chronic pain. It can also cause physical, emotional, or psychological issues due to the pain. You should minimize working in certain positions for long periods of time to reduce your risk of developing myofascial pain syndrome. Doing massages is a great option to ease your myofascial pain. You can do home massages. But, make sure that you know what you are doing. So, ensure to speak to a doctor before trying any form of massage for your myofascial pain.
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