How do I know if I have Tension Myositis Syndrome? 


Without diagnosis it is impossible to say for sure, but with TMS, self diagnosis can be fairly accurate if you look for the many clues and pointers.

As well as seeing a physical or massage therapist who is familiar with fibromyalgia tender points (Fibromyalgia is a severe form of TMS/MBS) a short questionnaire and conversation with me should help clear up any doubts you have. You do not have to have scans performed, however, they can be very helpful to rule out any doubts that your body is seriously, physically impaired. A note of caution, scans will often pick up abnormalities, especially for anyone who has lived an athletic life. To quote Dr. John Sarno, “Perfectly normal abnormalities”. These are just a part of normal ageing and are likely not the reason for your experience of pain. Remember, pain is produced by the brain, not the body. People can have extreme structural changes and have no symptoms of pain. (please read more about this in my blog).

Physical signs can include

(For many people they may only experience a single pain or symptom. The list below is subjective and may not apply to everybody.)


  • Tender points on various parts of the body (please see tender point diagram)

  • Colour or temperature changes to skin (in some but not all cases)

  • Fatigue, reduced or physical weakness that started at a similar time or sometime before or after physical pain

  • Tingling or numbness

  • At least one other stress induced condition. For example: Tension headaches, heartburn or dizziness.


Life situations and physical events to consider (look for patterns)

Symptoms started:

  • After a stressful life event

  • After a physical trauma (that never got better or is taking an abnormal amount of time to recover)

  • Building up to and during a life transition 

  • During or after a move to a new home or country

  • When you started living alone or moved in with a partner (depending on your adult attachment style)

  • After the death of a loved one, supporter or close friend

  • Symptoms appear to have come out of nowhere with zero emotional cause, you can’t think of any life event anything in particular. (not uncommon for people who don’t consciously know how they’re feeling a lot of the time)

Once symptoms established themselves, they appear to:

  • Fluctuate throughout the day.

  • Get worse just before going on holiday but improve once you’ve arrived (they could get worse, again, look for patterns)

  • Feel better or worse at the weekend (this is common for people who have a tendency to bury themselves in their work)

  • Feel worse in the morning and better in the evening

  • Get worse when you’re extremely hungry or have missed a meal

  • Feel worse when you have had poor or limited sleep

  • Feel better when you are happy and in good company or when you are around people who make you feel safe

  • Feel better when you have no pressures on your shoulders

  • Feel worse or better when you lay down to sleep or if you wake in the night (depending on your personality type)

  • Are worse or better in social situations (depending on whether you’re an introvert or extrovert or codependent)

  • Are worse or better when you’re alone (depending on whether you’re an introvert or extrovert or codependent)

  • Feel better when you are engaged in a puzzle or task that involves total mind focus.

  • Feel better when exercising (if you’re able to exercise)

  • Feel worse when making an obligatory visit to see family (if you don’t have a good relationship with family or are pushed for time)