Myofascial Pain Syndrome Support Group

Hi Cheryl,

guess you could say I've done both. I accept what I can and can't do and if I can only walk 3 blocks today instead of a mile, then that's what I'll do.

Bonnie Pruden myotherapists have been wonderful! Mild PT has helped, doing only to stretching and not pain. Don't try so hard or you just set yourself back. Luckily this PT has a sister with fibro so she goes slow and keeps reminding me NOT to create more pain.

I've also learned to say NO if i can't do something. That was the toughest, always wanting to keep everybody happy.

Good luck!

I absolutely have some thoughts! First and foremost, a good doctor or health professional, alternative practitioner, who validates your condition and tries to help manage the pain and other related health issues.

For me, it was combination of pain control and muscle spasms and physical therapy to address each area of my body that has Trps. As time passed the pain improved and i learned that the myofascial pain had to be addressed to keep the fibro monster at bay. As I have come to understand, the Trps don't go away, we need to work to keep them in a latent state. That could mean, not doing certain things or it could mean PT and heat or ice. I have learned, ice for inflammation from my neck injury of 26 years ago and heat for the Trps, as they start to surface. Minimizing stress... physical or emotional.

It's a complicated and delicate balance. It's easy to say, just accept it. It's much easier to accept if you aren't in constant unrelenting pain! It's that chicken and egg dilemna! You need a team working for you and that is very hard to find. PM me if you wish more info.

Hi Pollybizz,

What is a Bonnie Pruden myotherapist? I went to my Myofascial Trigger Point Massage Therapist and left in more pain, as I do most of the time. Then I start feeling better on a higher level. It almost seems like I have to go through the pain of trigger point therapy whether massage or injections to get better. But is that reasonable? I guess you cannot get rid of triggers without pain, but doggone it, I'm exhausted. Then you say not to create more pain so I'm confused about the "Bonnie Pruden myotherapist". Doesn't she go after the triggers?

Cheryl, Oh the pain of getting better is awful. What a reality. However, my doc says there is an end in sight so maybe in a few more months, I could answer if there is really a cure. I too hate the thought of remaining in chronic pain - seems we are all striving for a balance here to get to a somewhat normal state (note I mean physical!!!!). Google Bonnie Pruden - Katty knows alot about it as well!
Take care adn keep stretching gently! Holly

OH Holly,

I love your phrase, "The pain of getting better". Very good. I keep wondering if giving my body pain by attempting to massage or inject these Trps away is the wise course but your phrase helps!

What doctor is telling you a "few more months"? What is their specialty?

I will Google Bonnie Pruden right now. Thanks!

Cheryl

Hi Again Pollybizz,

I googled Bonnie Pruden and that seems to be exactly what my MTPMT is doing. I've gone to her 5 times so far. How about you?

Cheryl

Wish I could say there was one! I feel we just try all we are able to try, and use what works for us. Omega3 oils and Zyflammend have helped me. I try to stay away from the rx meds as much as I can, but I give in sometimes.... Heat is wonderfully helpful, as is infrared therapy....PT helps for sure, especially iontophoresis.. but the copay makes it impossible to go often....
Felt pretty good last week, and the treadmill was calling me, so I did a 1/2 mile twice a day... wouldn't you know that 5 days in, my knee gave out with a popliteal cyst rupture. Sigh....so now I'm back on crutches or with a cane. It was fun while it lasted. I better stick to water exercise!

I like this site for all the things I learn :)

Hi Cheryl;
I have had facial neuralgia for about 15 years. I take Flexeril everynight. Last Christmas I bit on a piece of chicken on that side and felt something very uncomfortable in the back of my jaw. It improved, but a week later I lost part of a filling, then before I could get to the dentist I lost the rest of the filling. I had told three dentists about my pain,and what tooth it was coming from, But it was a totally different tooth. This tooth's roots were laying against my sinus cavity, so I had to go to an oral surgeon to have it removed. My face pain has deminished so much. I think the root of my tooth was putting pressure on my facial nerve. It may not be the case with you, but it is worth a try. Have them x-ray your teeth to see if any root is pushing on your sinus cavity or even through into the sinus cavity. Good luck,Eittod

Hi Cheryl:
I was was diagnosed with Myofascial Pain syndrome years ago, and am a work in progress!! It does get better, but you have to keep your body in motion with light stretching, moist heat, and muscle work. Don't give up!

I want to apologize to every one that has taken the time to email me. Thank you so much for your replies. I've just been flaming most of the time since Labor Day. Also, my pain is centered on my back, back of neck, shoulders, and arms. So, it is difficult and causes me more pain to write or type.

So in response to some of the wonderful emails that have been written to me the following is a short reply to try and answer some of them. Again thanks.

I took a second look at Bonnie Pruden and that DOES seem different from what my myfascial therapist was doing. I stopped going to my CMTPT because I've been in so much pain that I cannot drive and she's 20 miles away. Also, after 5 visits and so much pain after I visit there I was doubting that it was the right path for me.

I did have my teeth checked and worked on because I had pain in my left side molars. After much expense, and 3 dentists, they decided it must be coming from my myofascial. Finally the mouth pain quit.

I've decided to take the advice of BarbieO. I have never heard of the physiatrist specialty. I've had some difficulty finding one close enough to me but a friend of mine did! However, I cannot get into to see the doctor until October 14th. His background is quite impressive, so, we'll see. Twenty-two days until I see him is a lot!

Until then I'm really afraid to do anything except maybe ice. I'm reading Devin Staranyl books right now. And she says to use heat if your Trps are not tangled up with nerves and use ice when nerves are involved. When I use heat, which I love because it feels so good, my Trps go crazy. So I'm stuck with ice.

Hugs to all, Cheryl