Predictors of Treatment Expectations in Myofascial Pain Syndrome

This cross-sectional study aims to determine the predictors of treatment expectations in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). MPS is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal pain and is associated with reduced quality of life. Patients' pre-treatment expectations are known to influence clinical outcomes, yet the factors that predict these expectations have not been established. Adults diagnosed with MPS who are scheduled to receive physiotherapy complete measures of treatment expectations, pain intensity and duration, health-related quality of life, and fatigue. Multiple regression analysis is used to examine the extent to which pain intensity, pain duration, quality of life, and fatigue predict treatment expectations.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years and older * Diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome * Pain intensity of at least 3 on the Visual Analog Scale * Scheduled to receive at least two weeks of physiotherapy Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed psychiatric disorder * Chronic systemic disease * Any barrier preventing communication