Trigger Points in Shoulder in Correlation with Postpartum Pain

Abstract

Background: Postpartum musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the shoulder region, is a prevalent yet underrecognized condition that significantly affects maternal function and quality of life. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs)—localized, hyperirritable nodules in taut bands of skeletal muscle—are established contributors to chronic shoulder pain in general populations, but their role in postpartum pain has not been adequately investigated. Objective: To determine the prevalence of shoulder myofascial trigger points in postpartum women and evaluate their association with pain intensity and functional disability. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Fifty postpartum women within six months of delivery experiencing shoulder pain for at least four weeks were assessed for MTrPs in the trapezius, supraspinatus, and deltoid muscles using standardized clinical palpation criteria. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and functional disability using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Statistical analyses included Pearson’s correlation and multivariable linear regression. Results: Active MTrPs were identified in 68% of participants in the trapezius, 44% in the supraspinatus, and 22% in the deltoid. A strong positive correlation was observed between MTrP count and VAS (r = 0.76) and SPADI scores (r = 0.82) (p < 0.001). Regression analysis confirmed MTrP count as a significant predictor of disability. Conclusion: Myofascial trigger points are prevalent in postpartum shoulder pain and are strongly associated with increased pain and functional limitation. Routine MTrP screening and early intervention may improve postnatal musculoskeletal outcomes.