Myofascial Pain Syndrome Support Group
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (or MPS) is a term used to describe one of the conditions characterized by chronic pain. It is associated with and caused by "trigger points" (TrPs), sensitive and painful areas between the muscle and fascia. The symptoms can range from referred pain through myofascial trigger points to specific pains in other areas of the body. It may be related...
Most of you know that I started seeing a physiatrist at the end of April. He told me that the only way for me to get out of my pain cycle, is to SLOWLY retrain my muscles. Currently, my leg muscles tighten to protect, because my muscles, etc... are so weak from over 12 years of little activity. That is the reason he sent me to a physical therapist. He stressed that both of them understood that this would be a slow process and she would proceed at my bodies' pace. The program would be adapted to my needs. I had never experienced a PT program like this, so was shocked and surprised that it is true. As I increase my activity with gentle exercises, of course I develop TrPs, but then she works on my legs for almost 1 hour twice a week, deactivating the TrPs and doing lots of stretching and mild resistance work to strengthen. I also have a program that I do at home. I've been going for 2 months and I am starting to see positive results. I can use my legs more without ending up in pain, but again it will be baby steps.
The other thing that made a huge difference was that last Monday, the doctor taped my middle hamstring (semimembranosus) with Kinesio Tape. He just put one strip down each leg. This made a huge difference because it took the pressure off my hamstrings. Since it has worked so well, the PT now does it for me. I leave the tape on for 5-7 days and then give the legs 2 days to breathe before taping again.
For those of you who are still searching for a caring doctor, who understands myofascial pain, please don't give up. There are some out there. This doctor is still excited about his job, and comes well prepared to my appointments with concrete suggestions like the taping, and purchasing the Sonic Relief Ultrasound Unit. Not knowing that I had the book, he even had copied pages out of Janet Travell's book showing the TrPs in the hamstrings.
I have my fingers crossed that my new team with my active participation will be able to break my pain cycle. Hugs to all for your support. Kat
The other thing that made a huge difference was that last Monday, the doctor taped my middle hamstring (semimembranosus) with Kinesio Tape. He just put one strip down each leg. This made a huge difference because it took the pressure off my hamstrings. Since it has worked so well, the PT now does it for me. I leave the tape on for 5-7 days and then give the legs 2 days to breathe before taping again.
For those of you who are still searching for a caring doctor, who understands myofascial pain, please don't give up. There are some out there. This doctor is still excited about his job, and comes well prepared to my appointments with concrete suggestions like the taping, and purchasing the Sonic Relief Ultrasound Unit. Not knowing that I had the book, he even had copied pages out of Janet Travell's book showing the TrPs in the hamstrings.
I have my fingers crossed that my new team with my active participation will be able to break my pain cycle. Hugs to all for your support. Kat
As a musician ( or past musician) I would have to say, " Rock On !" It sounds like you have good people in place and that you can also tell your PT your needs which is very important. I am so glad you feel comfortable and confident with the people you have as that is so important.
I did the kiniseo tape before with my ankles. That is a thought to try with my hamtrings as well. I say to my hubby, if only my hamstrings/calves didnt hurt I would be doign pretty well. Can I ask what color tape you used? (I think there is a difference between colors)
He said it would be that long to see what would heal and what wouldn't. And as he predicted, some muscles did heal and some didn't. And oh yes, yes, yes, learning how to release your own trigger points is so key!
I often forget that people don't do this out of habit! For me, rubbing and stretching as needed comes without thought or care of where and when I do it. Sometimes I can be in the store and stop to release a muscle and rub out some of the stiffness. Then I realize people are looking and I just smile at them. I don't care what they think, I have too much to do lol!
Taping does work for some and not so well for others. But if you haven't tried it, go for it! Personally I do not think it is the tape itself that really does the trick, but rather it reminds us to move differently. Sometimes just a simple shift of weight is all our muscles need in order to heal.
It's wonderful to hear you are having success! I wish and pray that you have lots of it too! Life is so short that we don't have time to spend it "licking our wounds" so to speak! May all dance in spirit and may all the ripples in your pond be gentle ones.
Jess, the tape can be purchased on Amazon. I bought it to have at home so that my husband can tape me when needed. It is called Kinesio Tape - 2" X 16.4 ' - Blue - Water-Resistant. It is under Health and Beauty and cost me $11.69. The PT used one called Kinesio Tape Tex and it was black. I Also saw it on Amazon. A week before he taped me, he showed me a picture of Kerry, who was one of the Volleyball Olympic Gold Medalist 2 years ago, wearing the tape after her shoulder surgery. He also gave me an article called Putting on the Stripes to Ease Pain by Laura Johannes. It was in the Wall Street Journal and you can probably find it online.
Hissy, I agree with you as to why the tape works. Also, agree that the more tools we have at home to use to help ourselves, the better. I continue to add to my collection, and my husband's elbow is the best at deactivating TrPs in my hamstrings.
Wardell, thanks for the info on back supports. Hugs to all and hope for less pain for everyone. Kat
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