Difference Between Myofascial Pain Vs Muscle Pain
Myofascial pain and muscle pain are often confused, but they differ in origin and symptoms. Muscle pain typically results from overuse, strain, or injury to the muscle fibers and tends to be localized, dull, and achy. It often improves with rest, stretching, or over-the-counter pain relief. In contrast, myofascial pain is a chronic condition involving the fascia — the connective tissue surrounding muscles — and is characterized by the presence of trigger points, which are sensitive knots that cause pain in seemingly unrelated parts of the body (referred pain).
Myofascial pain tends to be more persistent and harder to treat, often requiring targeted therapies such as trigger point injections, physical therapy, or dry needling. While both conditions can cause significant discomfort, understanding the difference is key to choosing the right treatment approach.