You can stretch a patient with myositis to relieve the pain.

You can stretch a patient with myositis to relieve the pain.

• A. True
• B. Not sure
• C. Sometimes
• D. False

Answer: (D)

When a muscle is inflamed, as in myositis, the tissue is sensitive and swollen. Forcing a stretch during this active inflammatory phase can worsen inflammation, cause micro-injury, and increase pain rather than relieve it. In TMD involving jaw muscles, this means stretching the muscles while they are inflamed is likely to aggravate symptoms instead of helping them. The safer approach is to prioritize reducing inflammation and protecting the muscle, using rest and appropriate medical management, with gentle ROM only when tenderness has decreased and under guidance. Once the inflammation diminishes, a gradual, supervised rehabilitation plan can include controlled stretching and gradual strengthening. So stretching to relieve pain is not appropriate during active myositis.

When a muscle is inflamed, as in myositis, the tissue is sensitive and swollen. Forcing a stretch during this active inflammatory phase can worsen inflammation, cause micro-injury, and increase pain rather than relieve it. In TMD involving jaw muscles, this means stretching the muscles while they are inflamed is likely to aggravate symptoms instead of helping them. The safer approach is to prioritize reducing inflammation and protecting the muscle, using rest and appropriate medical management, with gentle ROM only when tenderness has decreased and under guidance. Once the inflammation diminishes, a gradual, supervised rehabilitation plan can include controlled stretching and gradual strengthening. So stretching to relieve pain is not appropriate during active myositis.