Conditions

Differential diagnosis hub — conditions that mimic myofascial pain and conditions that coexist with it.

Differential Diagnosis

Is it the tendon, the joint — or the muscle?

35 common musculoskeletal conditions that mimic, coexist with, or are perpetuated by myofascial trigger points. Each guide frames the diagnostic question and shows where the overlap happens.

35 conditions

Head & Neck

Cervical Dystonia

Spasmodic torticollis and its relationship to SCM and scalene trigger points

Cervical Radiculopathy

Distinguishing nerve root compression from scalene and upper trapezius referral

Cervicogenic Headache

Upper cervical joint-referred headache vs suboccipital trigger points

Shoulder

Adhesive Capsulitis

Frozen shoulder and how subscapularis trigger points mimic and perpetuate it

Biceps Tendinopathy

Long head biceps tendon vs coracobrachialis and infraspinatus referral

Rhomboid & Interscapular Pain

Interscapular aching from rhomboid and middle trapezius trigger points

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Supraspinatus tendinopathy vs infraspinatus and subscapularis referral

Scapular Dyskinesis

Abnormal scapular motion driven by periscapular trigger points

Subacromial Pain Syndrome

The impingement continuum and periscapular trigger point contribution

Elbow & Hand

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Ulnar nerve compression vs triceps and FCU trigger points

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

First dorsal compartment vs brachioradialis and scalene referral

Lateral Epicondylalgia

Tennis elbow vs supinator and scalene trigger points

Medial Epicondylalgia

Golfer's elbow vs pronator teres and subscapularis referral

Radial Tunnel Syndrome

Posterior interosseous nerve entrapment vs supinator trigger points

Triceps Tendinopathy

Olecranon insertion vs triceps long head and anconeus trigger points

Thoracic & Core

Core Instability

Motor control deficits and how lumbar trigger points perpetuate instability

Costochondritis

Costochondral junction inflammation vs pectoralis and intercostal trigger points

Diastasis Recti

Linea alba widening and rectus abdominis trigger point contribution

Thoracic Kyphosis

Hyperkyphosis, compression fracture risk, and thoracic erector trigger points

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Scalene and pectoralis minor trigger points compressing the brachial plexus

Lumbar & Pelvis

Lumbar Radiculopathy

Nerve root compression vs gluteus minimus and piriformis trigger point referral

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

SIJ pain vs gluteus maximus and piriformis trigger points in the buttock

Spondylolisthesis

Vertebral slippage and multifidus trigger point interaction

Hip & Thigh

Adductor Strain

Groin strain vs adductor and iliopsoas trigger point referral

Gluteal Tendinopathy

Greater trochanteric pain vs gluteus medius and TFL trigger points

Hamstring Strain

Hamstring injury vs biceps femoris and piriformis trigger point referral

Hip Osteoarthritis

True hip degeneration vs iliopsoas and gluteus medius trigger points

IT Band Syndrome

Iliotibial band friction vs TFL and gluteus maximus trigger points

Knee

Achilles Tendinopathy

Tendon pathology vs gastrocnemius and soleus trigger point referral

Knee Osteoarthritis

Tibiofemoral degeneration vs quadriceps and gastrocnemius trigger points

Meniscal Pathology

Meniscal tears vs popliteus and hamstring trigger points

Patellar Tendinopathy

Jumper's knee vs rectus femoris and vastus trigger points

Lower Leg & Foot

Chronic Ankle Instability

Ligamentous laxity and peroneal trigger point contribution

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Progressive flatfoot and tibialis posterior trigger points

Shin Splints

Medial tibial stress syndrome vs tibialis posterior trigger points

These guides are for educational purposes only and do not replace professional medical diagnosis. If you are experiencing pain, consult a qualified healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Myofascial pain frequently coexists with other conditions — accurate diagnosis requires clinical examination.