Management practices in myofascial pain syndrome among physical therapists in Karachi, Pakistan: A cross sectional survey

Objective: To investigate the treatment practice in myofascial pain syndrome among physical therapists in an urban setting. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December, 2016, at the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dow University of Health Science, Karachi Pakistan, and comprised qualified physical therapists of either gender working at various health centres in the city. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, and was analysed using SPSS 16. Result: Of the 93 respondents, 37(39.8%) were males and 56(60.2%) were females; 39(41.9%) had Masters level professional education; and 29(31.2%) had 5-8 years of experience. Myofascial Pain Syndrome was diagnosed through physical examination by 78(83.9%) subjects, on the basis of history by 70(75.3%) and palpable band by 75(80%). Preferred treatment strategy was ischaemic compression for 63(67.7%) and postural re-education for 64(68.8%), while dry needling was used by 29(31.2%) subjects. Also, 75(80%) therapists preferred manual therapy superior combined with other treatments. Conclusion: Physical examination was found to be the most common diagnostic method used for myofascial pain syndrome by the therapists.