Factors affecting myofascial pain pattern recognition in musculoskeletal therapists: An exploratory study

Derek Kyte*, Alison Rushton, Gillian Eveleigh

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the ability of experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists to recall and identify myofascial trigger point (MTrP) pain referral patterns associated with the cervical spine, and to determine the factors affecting myofascial pain pattern recognition in experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists. Methodology: A questionnaire-based descriptive survey using mixed methods was employed. A specially constructed questionnaire was used in the study. Responses were subjected to descriptive, statistical, and thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-five experienced musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapists (mean qualification period=10.3 years, mean specialist MSK experience=7.52 years) took part in the study. 100% completed the questionnaire. The MTrP pattern recognition rate was 23.33%. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed a number of factors that may help to explain this low rate within the study sample. Conclusions: This exploratory study highlights deficiencies in the ability of experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists to recall and identify MTrP pain referral patterns associated with the cervical spine. Several factors were identified that may have contributed to the observed deficiencies in this area including: lack of education, knowledge and experience, difficulty with clinical recall, and notions surrounding clinical relevance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)144-151
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation
Volume19
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Keywords

  • Clinical reasoning
  • Musculoskeletal assessment
  • Myofascial trigger points
  • Patient history
  • Pattern recognition
  • Physical examination

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rehabilitation
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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