The diagnosis and conservative treatment of myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome.

The findings in 194 cases of myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome are summarized and the differential diagnosis of the condition is discussed. Conservative methods of treatment were used in all cases, and follow-up revealed complete or almost complete recovery in 75 per cent of the patients; this percentage was increased still further when relaxation and coping skills training were used. Those patients who had been involved in accidents with direct or indirect trauma to one or both joints showed a significantly higher proportion of nonresponse to therapy.