Myofascial Pain is that which originates in the muscles of skeletal origin and their enveloping connective tissues and skin. Muscle Spasm is a very common cause of pain and is the basis of many clinical syndromes. The pain results partially from the direct effect of muscle spasm on mechanically sensitive pain receptors. The muscle spasm not only compresses the blood vessels and decreases blood flow but also increases the rate of metabolism in the muscle tissue at the same time. This makes the relative ischemia even greater to create an ideal condition for release of pain-inducing substances.
Physical therapy plays a very important role in the treatment of myofascial pain.
Physical therapy not only helps increase patients function but it also helps reduce muscle spasm by conditioning muscles to provide support by being in shape as opposed to relying on spasm to provide stability and support for the spine and extremities. Additionally, exercise increases blood flow to the areas in spasm to carry away pain-inducing substances and to deliver oxygen to these ischemic areas. Also, physical therapy does not only occur when you visit the therapist. They are there to train you with the tools and exercises you need to make yourself better. Several weeks of physical therapy will likely help, but are unlikely to miraculously improve your pain in a couple of sessions .