Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain condition involving the muscles and surrounding connective tissue (fascia). It is characterized by trigger points—sensitive, tight knots in muscles that can cause both localized pain and referred pain to other areas of the body. Unlike temporary muscle soreness, MPS persists and can worsen without proper treatment.

Common Symptoms Include

Deep, aching muscle pain
Tender knots or trigger points in muscles
Referred pain (pain felt in areas distant from the trigger point)
Muscle stiffness and reduced range of motion
Fatigue and poor sleep due to discomfort
Pain that worsens with stress, activity, or prolonged posture

What causes it?

MPS develops when muscles remain in a state of tension or overuse, leading to restricted blood flow, inflammation, and nerve sensitivity. Over time, this creates trigger points that amplify pain signals.

Contributing mechanisms include:

Muscle overuse, repetitive strain, or poor posture
Stress, anxiety, and chronic muscle tension
Injury or trauma to muscles
Sleep disturbances affecting muscle repair
Nervous system hypersensitivity (central sensitization)
Scar tissue or restricted fascia limiting movement

Possible contributors include:

Physical overuse (repetitive motions, heavy lifting, sports)
Postural imbalances (desk work, prolonged sitting, poor ergonomics)
Emotional stress or trauma creating chronic muscle tension
Sleep problems or chronic fatigue
Nutritional deficiencies (magnesium, vitamin D)
Co-existing pain conditions (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome)

A Neuroplasticity-Based Approach

While MPS starts in the muscles, it is often maintained by nervous system hypersensitivity. Over time, the brain and spinal cord “learn” to amplify pain signals from trigger points. A neuroplasticity-based approach retrains the nervous system to calm exaggerated pain responses, breaking the cycle of muscle guarding and nerve sensitization.

At Menda, we use therapies that help retrain the brain and calm the nervous system. Approaches such as Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help reduce the brain’s fatigue signals and restore balance. By teaching the nervous system new, safer patterns, people can gradually rebuild their energy, resilience, and quality of life.

You don’t have to keep living with these symptoms. Explore Menda’s evidence-based therapies designed to rewire the brain and restore balance.

Key Neuroplasticity-Informed Strategies

Somatic tracking & pain reprocessing: Observing sensations without fear to retrain the brain’s pain response.
Gentle movement & stretching: Teaching muscles to move freely without triggering pain alarms.
Breathwork & relaxation: Calming the autonomic nervous system to reduce tension.
Trigger point awareness: Approaching knots with relaxation, not fear, to reduce guarding.
Mind-body integration: Practices like yoga, tai chi, or guided imagery to restore muscle-brain communication.
Stress reduction: Using mindfulness or journaling to address emotional tension that fuels muscle tightness.

Why Neuroplasticity Works

In MPS, the pain persists not only due to muscle knots but because the brain has learned to interpret these signals as threatening. Neuroplasticity rewires the brain’s pain pathways, teaching the nervous system that muscle sensations are safe. This reduces amplification of pain, promotes relaxation, and restores healthy muscle patterns.