Management of Myofascial Pain Syndrome in Armed Force Personnel: Two Novel Therapeutic Approach
Abstract Background Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the commonest pain syndromes now a days. Its pathophysiology is not fully documented or understood. Goal of treatment is to release the pain and discomfort of myofascial pain syndrome. Methods This was a multicentric prospective study comprising 70 patients who had been diagnosed clinically with myofascial pain syndrome in the neck, shoulder or back. Cases were randomly divided into two treatment groups. First group (36 cases) were treated with physiotherapy modalities (extracorporeal shock wave therapy and ultrasound therapy as combination therapy) and patients in second group (34 cases) were treated with trigger point injection. In both the groups patients were advised stretching exercises as soon as pain decreases. Results Pain was substantially decreased in both the treatment groups but results were early and comparatively better in patients treated by trigger point injection group. Stretching exercises were helpful in regaining strength and also helpful in decreasing recurrence of pain.