Regional soft tissue rheumatic pain syndromes: a common challenge in daily practice

Soft tissue pain syndromes, problematic in themselves, may aggravate other underlying disorders. The physician who is familiar with the characteristic features of each of the many syndromes may more readily recognize them in practice. Treatment should be tailored to the individual and based on a home exercise program. Success of treatment corroborates the diagnosis and may prevent a state of chronic incapacitating pain.