Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Myofascial Pain Follow-up
- Author: Jennifer E Finley, MD, FAAPMR; Chief Editor: Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD more...
Further Outpatient Care
- For patients with myofascial pain, periodic physician visits should continue until the individual's symptoms have resolved or have stabilized at maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Deterrence
- The deterrence and prevention of myofascial pain focus on removing perpetuating factors. Using appropriate body mechanics, avoiding prolonged static positioning, and properly fitting furniture and workstations all are important. Full ROM of all muscles on a daily basis is extremely helpful.
Prognosis
- The prognosis for the resolution of myofascial pain is good if treatment is started in the acute phase and aggravating factors are eliminated. Treatment becomes more difficult as chronicity increases.
Patient Education
- Coverage of myofascial pain diagnosis and treatment in medical schools and residency programs should be expanded.[7]
- For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Back, Ribs, Neck, and Head Center and Muscle Disorders Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education articles Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia.
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