October 2014

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Cafagna Chiropractic

Dr. Mark W. Cafagna, DC

Address Cafagna Chiropractic ChiropracƟc Treatment for Myofascial Pain 456 E. Mission Road Syndrome Suite 100 San Marcos, CA 92069 In addiƟon to the many joints and bones that comprise the thoracic spine, there is a network of interwoven and layered muscles. These muscles are used to stabilize and Telephone Number move the spine, aid in respiraƟon, and move the shoulder 760-410-2373 and arm. Fascia is a layer of connective tissue Myofascial therapy relieves soft Qualifications that contributes to the supportive tissue restrictions that cause pain. Graduated From: Palmer College of structure of the spine and Some causes of chronic myofascial Chiropractic musculoskeletal system. The pain or low back pain are easier to fascia invests, or surrounds, the diagnose than others: trauma (such Years in Practice: 29 muscles and allows for the smooth as a car accident or fall), cumulative gliding of one muscle upon another. posture misalignment or mechanical Investing fascia helps to prevent deficits, a compressed nerve from Treatments muscles from adhering to each other. a herniated disc, or inflammatory  Chiropractic Adjustments conditions.  Ultrasound With injury, chronic postural stress,  EMS or overuse, myofascial trigger points When pain is caused by myofascial  Deep Tissue Massage or myofascial adhesions may develop tightness within the fascial system  Spinal Axial Decompression – all commonly referred to as (the web of connective tissue that  Orthotics myofascial pain syndrome. spreads throughout the body and surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve  Trigger Point Therapy Chiropractors treat myofascial pain blood vessel, and organ to the syndromes such as myofascial trigger cellular level) the diagnosis is more points or adhesions with manual difficult, as fascia restrictions do not myofascial therapy. This therapy show up on MRI scans or X-rays. normally includes the use of direct Yet, those restrictions can play a pressure upon the trigger point, or significant role in creating pain and the use of active anchor-and-stretch malfunction in the structure of the "Do what you do so well that people myofascial release techniques. spine, extremities and organs. would want to come back and tell Chiropractors also utilize specific others." ~ Walt Disney exercises and physical modalities to WHAT IS MYOFASCIAL THERAPY? treat myofascial pain syndromes. Some chiropractors utilize Myofascial Therapy (also known as acupuncture or dry-needling myofascial release therapy or techniques to treat myofascial pain. myofascial trigger point therapy) is a

type of safe, low load stretch that Pain in any part or parts of the body, Using non-prescription pain relievers releases tightness and pain throughout including headache or back pain. such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen the body caused by myofascial pain Applying heat to soothe constricted The goal of myofascial therapy is to syndrome, which describes chronic muscles or using ice to calm swollen stretch and loosen the fascia so that it muscle pain that is worse in certain areas and other contiguous structures can areas known as trigger points. Performing self-stretching exercises move more freely, and the patient's to maintain flexibility and increase Myofascial release (MFR) therapy motion is restored. range of motion or aerobic exercise focuses on releasing muscular Therapy sessions follow a pattern to increase blood flow to the affected shortness and tightness. There are a similar to physical therapy for post- areas. number of conditions and symptoms operative rehabilitation. An initial Myofascial therapy can also enhance or that myofascial release therapy appointment will be devoted to assist other treatments to increase addresses. locating the areas of the fascia that effectiveness such as acupuncture, Many patients seek myofascial appear to be restricted, and measuring manipulation, physical therapy, or treatment after losing flexibility or the level of loss of motion or loss of occupational therapy. By targeting function following an injury or if symmetry in the body. specific areas of the fascial system, experiencing ongoing back, shoulder, The specific releases to different parts myofascial therapy can provide pain hip, or virtually pain in any area of the body vary, but generally include relief for patients with restricted containing soft tissue. gentle application of pressure or flexibility and movement, thus allowing patients to return to normal movement Other conditions treated by myofascial sustained low load stretch to the and greater function. release therapy include Temporo- affected area. Progress is gauged by Mandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, carpal the level of increased motion or tunnel syndrome, or possibly function experienced, and/or decrease in pain felt by the patient. fibromyalgia or migraine headaches. Patient symptoms usually include: ADDITIONAL TREATMENTS For more information about myofascial Tightness of the tissues that restricts Myofascial therapy can be a precursor pain and relief, visit http://www.spine- motion or pulls the body out of and complement to other treatments. health.com/treatment/physical- alignment, causing individuals to Patients who engage in myofascial therapy/myofascial-release-therapy favor and overuse one hip or therapy also may benefit from other shoulder, for example forms of nonsurgical care that aim to A sense of excessive pressure on control pain and keep muscles and muscles or joints that produces pain joints warm and loose. These include:

Talk to Dr. Cafagna about speciic questions related to your unique health situation.

Contact Dr. Cafagna to learn more or schedule an appointment 760‐410‐2373 http://www.spine‐health.com/doctor/chiropractor/mark‐cafagna‐san‐marcos‐ca