34-3 Myofascial Pain

Letter from the Editor-in-Chief

We are excited about this edition of D.C. Tracts! In this issue, our contributors include ...

world-renowned experts in the diagnosis and management of soft-tissue pain. A large proportion of patients with musculoskeletal pain experience myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). For example, individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain frequently demonstrate myofascial trigger points in the cervical musculature including the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and splenius cervices muscles.

In our feature article, Dr. Warren Hammer shares contemporary perspectives on myofascial pain syndrome, including the anatomical, neurophysiological, and biomechanical attributes of fascia and MPS. In his audio lecture, Dr. Antonio Stecco expands upon the current concepts of fascia as described by Dr. Hammer, including the hypothesis of densification of the deep fascia. Dr. Chris Kinslow’s evidence-informed audio lecture describes a number of soft-tissue techniques including myofascial release, pin/stretch, cross-friction massage, ischemic compression, and instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization. Additionally, Dr. Brad Muir provides abstracts and commentaries with a focus on diagnosis and treatment of soft-tissue pain, and Dr. Brian Gleberzon continues his Juris-Proofing series with an emphasis on the importance of maintaining patient health records.

I trust that as the reader, you will find this issue of D.C. Tracts both informative and interesting, refining your clinical expertise and patient services.

Best regards,

Bryan M. Bond, BSc, BS, MS, PhD
Editor-in-Chief

In this issue:

  • FEATURE ARTICLE: A New Look at the Myofascial Pain Syndrome
    Warren Hammer, DC, MS, DABCO
  • AUDIO LECTURES:
    • Physical Therapy as a Compliment to Chiropractic Care
      Chris Kinslow, DC, PT, OCS
    • Densification of the Deep Fascia
      Antonio Stecco, MD, PhD
  • JURIS-PROOFING: Fortifying the Patient Health Records, Part 1: Patient History
    Brian J. Gleberzon, DC, MHSc
  • ABSTRACTS AND COMMENTARIES
    Brad Muir, HBSc(Kin, DC, FRCCSS(C)

    • Improving Characterization and Diagnosis Quality of Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Clinical and Biomarker Overlap with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
    • Comparison of Dry Needling and Trigger Point Manual Therapy in Patients with Neck and Upper Back Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    • Optimal Duration of Stretching Exercise in Patients with Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
  • CONTINUING EDUCATION QUESTIONNAIRE