Myofascial Pain Syndrome Poster

Product Description

 The poster shows the anatomy of the right knee with a clos-up image of an active trigger point.

Chronic pain and soreness in muscles can occur from injuries to the muscles, tendons and the fascia covering them. The damage to these tissues by injury or overuse can create a cycle of pain. Joint injuries with only minor damage to the tendons and ligaments can tear muscle fibers and the fascia covering them. Chronic pain and soreness in the muscles occurs when these injuries do not heal properly. When the muscles and connecting tissue heal, the fibers become twisted and knotted creating areas of tenderness called trigger points. This poorly healed tissue does not function as well as healthy tissue. The twisted fibers restrict the motion of the muscles and they do not stretch or relax as they should. Because of the decrease in elasticity of the muscles, the joints they support can become misaligned causing pain and altered joint motion.

When an injury occurs, it is natural for the body to "guard" the painful area. Muscles contract to prevent further injury by immobilizing the affected area. Left untreated these contracted shortened muscles can cause pain signaling the body to tense the muscles more to guard the area. This cycle of chronic pain is called the Myofascial Pain Syndrome. The pain can reach areas not initially damaged. Altered joint motion above and below a muscle injury is common. This altered joint motion can create more pain and cause joint injury.

Everyday activities can be painful because of the these shortened painful muscles leading to inactivity. Without treatment and a sedentary lifestyle, this syndrome can become debilitating. There are many treatment options to break this cycle of pain. Talk to your physician about treatment and what you can do to establish normal muscle tone and decrease the pain

17" X 22" (43.2 cm X 55.9 cm) Laminated