The New York Pain Treatment Program protocol: a structured physical therapy approach for treating the muscular components of chronic pain syndromes

Abstract

Although Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is the most common diagnosis for injured workers [1], there is no uniform description or definition of MPS in the medical literature. Often the phrase myofascial pain is used to describe a variety of difficult to classify pain syndromes, resulting in confused and contradictory treatment approaches. Correct diagnosis and successful treatment of patients suffering from MPS must be based on a firm understanding of the muscular component of chronic pain syndromes. The New York Pain Treatment Program protocol in use at Lenox Hill Hospital is based on classification, diagnosis and treatment guidelines, developed by Dr. Hans Kraus, that recognize four types of muscle pain (tension, spasm, deficiency, and trigger points). It is the author's hope that this presentation will assist other clinicians in developing optimal rehabilitation programs.