MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROMES Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a painful musculoskeletal condition, a common cause of musculoskeletal pain. MPS is characterized by the development of Myofascial trigger points (TrPs) that are locally tender when active, and refer pain through specific patterns to other areas of the body. A trigger point or sensitive, painful area in the muscle or the junction of the muscle and fascia (hence, myofascial pain) develops due to any number of causes such as trauma, repetitive use, nervous tension or stress , hormonal changes, etc. Trigger points are usually associated with a taut band, a ropey thickening of the muscle tissue. Typically a trigger point, when pressed upon, will cause the pain to be felt elsewhere. This is what is considered "referred pain". Treatment consists mainly of physical therapy in combination with pharmacological regimens. Judicious use of Trigger point injections with local anesthetic and/or Botox can be considered in selected patients.