Symptoms
Stress-related muscular tension
Stress and anxiety drive sustained muscular bracing, most commonly in upper trapezius, masseter and suboccipitals.
Overview
Stress and anxiety drive sustained muscular bracing, most commonly in upper trapezius, masseter and suboccipitals. Identifying which muscle reproduces the patient's familiar pain on palpation guides treatment and often produces meaningful change alongside standard care.
Clinical notes
Combine stress management and breathing retraining with myofascial work.
Red flags — when to refer
New severe psychiatric symptoms — refer.
Muscles often involved
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction