-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
musculoskeletal system
myofibrositis/adhesions
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition:
Scar-type tissue causing restriction of tissue motion.

etiology:
Traumatic tearing of soft tissues or long standing muscle spasms cause production of thixotropic gel which organizes itself into collagen scar tissue. This is the body's attempt to stabilize what is perceived as injury. Three problems result from this scar formation:
• the scar tissue is more pain-sensitive than normal structural and contractile tissue
• the scar tissue is less flexible and therefore diminishes joint motion
• the scar tissue is more "brittle" than healthy tissue and susceptible to reinjury

signs and symptoms

• diminished joint play
• pain with deep palpation of the tissue
• a "gritty" feel especially in ligaments and muscles
• local areas of muscle spasm:"trigger points"

course and prognosis

This condition occurs after trauma or in long-standing overloading of muscles. This can occur in a "postural strain" situation, for example, when a person works over a desk day after day causing constant relentless contraction of the neck and upper back muscles. These muscles and the adjacent articular ligaments (rib joints and vertebral joints) may become infiltrated with scar tissue adhesions.

Prognosis is good with appropriate treatment and ergonomic changes designed to prevent chronicity.

differential diagnosis

• fibromyalgia
• myofascial pain syndrome
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• rheumatoid disorders
• polymyalgia rheumatica


footnotes