Role of people-pleasing in developing Tension Myositis (TMS) symptoms

Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), first described by Dr. John Sarno, is a mind-body condition in which emotional stress and unresolved psychological tension manifest as physical pain.

Unlike structural injuries, TMS symptoms often appear in the back, neck, or limbs without clear medical explanation.

While stress and repressed emotions are widely recognised contributors, recent research suggests that personality patterns such as people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-criticism may play a central role in triggering and maintaining TMS symptoms.