Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Report of 11 Cases Treated by Myofascial Massage Therapy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common pain condition characterized by a key
symptoms and signs, determined by multiple etiologies, comorbid with a variety of systemic diseases
and regional pain syndromes (RPS) and managed by diverse integrative therapies including
complementary and alternative modalities (CAM) with variable outcomes.
Objective: This study aimed to concisely report 11 cases of myofascial pain syndrome managed by
myofascial trigger point therapy.
Methods: The relevant information about 11 cases was collected prospectively using a semistructured
proforma. All patients were diagnosed mainly by detailed history and gold standard
palpation method that helps identify taut muscles, tender myofascial trigger points, local twitch
response and autonomic manifestations.
Results: Most of the patients with variable age and profession presented in emergency room with
acute pain, limited motion, weakness, referred pain of specific pattern and associated autonomic
signs and symptoms. Myofascial trigger point therapy alone with a timeline of about 30-60 minutes of
1-3 sessions brought about good results in all 11 patients (100%) who remained stable at two to three
months follow-up.
Conclusion: Myofascial pain syndrome linked with latent or active myofascial trigger points
developed due to repeated strains and injuries needs to be diagnosed by history and palpation
method, systemic evaluation and laboratory investigations. Though several interventions are used in
myofascial pain syndrome, myofascial trigger point massage therapy alone is found to be reasonably
effective with excellent results. This clinical case series is calling for double-blind randomized
controlled trials among patients with myofascial pain syndrome not only in Saudi Arabia but also in
other Middle East countries in future.