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Fascial components of the myofascial pain syndrome

Antonio Stecco1, Marco Gesi, Carla Stecco

  • 1Department of Sport Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.

Current Pain and Headache Reports
|June 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Myofascial pain syndrome involves symptoms from trigger points. This study explores the role of fascia and its hyaluronan-rich matrix in myofascial pain, offering new insights into its biological mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical science
  • Musculoskeletal research
  • Connective tissue biology

Background:

  • Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is characterized by symptoms arising from myofascial trigger points (MTP).
  • The role of fascia, a connective tissue, in MPS has been historically underestimated.
  • Pathological changes in myofascial tissue post-trauma, including collagen and extracellular matrix alterations, are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in fascia biology, focusing on its hyaluronan (HA)-rich matrix.
  • To elucidate the contribution of fascial changes to the development of MPS.
  • To bridge the gap between manual therapies and the underlying biological processes in MPS.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent developments in fascia biology.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the hyaluronan-rich matrix within fascia.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on myofascial tissue alterations.

Main Results:

  • Fascia plays a crucial, often overlooked, role in MPS.
  • The hyaluronan-rich matrix of fascia is implicated in the syndrome's pathophysiology.
  • Understanding fascial biology offers new perspectives on MPS mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • The hyaluronan-rich fascial matrix is a key factor in myofascial pain syndrome.
  • Further research into fascia biology is essential for understanding and treating MPS.
  • This review highlights the importance of considering fascia in myofascial pain management.

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