Acupuncture for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Pain ManagementAcupuncture for Specific Conditions
Written By Theodore Levarda
Myofascial Pain Syndrome

How to relieve pain and inflammation naturally

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic condition that is characterized by pain and inflammation in the muscle fascia; this is a band of connective tissue that holds muscles together.

MPS can affect a single muscle or a group of muscles, and the pain is either localized where the muscle is or referred from another location in the body.

Learn how acupuncture for myofascial pain syndrome works and the role that trigger points play in relation to myofascial pain. Relieve your pain and inflammation naturally through acupuncture.

Myofascial pain syndrome symptoms

  • A throbbing, deep aching pain

  • Tight, stiff muscles that are tender to touch

  • Weakness and reduced range of motion in the affected muscle area

  • Trigger points on the muscle area; these are small nodules (bumps) on the muscle that has MPS.

Some people may also experience headaches or migraine, fatigue, sleep issues, anxiety, stress and depression.

What causes myofascial pain syndrome?

Myofascial pain syndrome is usually caused by a trigger point that initiates pain and strain throughout the muscle. A trigger point is a highly sensitive and tense spot in a band of muscles that causes irritation, spasms and specific referred pain.

Trigger points can be set off by:

  • A muscle injury, strain or tension

  • Overuse of muscles

  • Lack of use of a muscle, causing it to become weak

  • Poor posture

  • Stress and anxiety

  • Being in cold, damp environments for extended periods of time 

Other risk factors that contribute to myofascial pain syndrome include chronic infections, nutritional deficiencies (such as lack of folate or vitamin D) and hormonal/metabolic conditions like thyroid disease.

Does acupuncture work for myofascial pain?

Acupuncture is highly effective for releasing trigger points and treating myofascial pain syndrome via myofascial release. An acupuncturist inserts small, thin acupuncture needles into the myofascial trigger points and affected muscles to release the trigger points and myofascial constriction to bring the body back into balance.

When the needle is inserted into the trigger point, it can feel like a strong muscle ache or the popping a tension bubble as the muscle tightness releases and pain dramatically reduces. The muscle goes from being in a shortened, contracted state to more elongated and relaxed. Learn more about trigger points.

Acupuncture for myofascial pain syndrome works by: 

  • Reducing pain and inflammation by modulating the way the body responds to pain and stimulating the release of neuropeptides (nerve cell proteins) to regulate inflammation and blood flow. Acupuncture activates the nerves in muscles and other tissues to release endorphins (natural pain-killing chemicals) and serotonin (the hormone that lifts mood) which modifies the way the brain processes pain and also promotes feelings of wellbeing.

  • Improving range of motion and mobility by increasing blood flow to the area. Healthy blood flow to the affected muscles can reduce pain sensation and stiffness, improve flexibility and movement, relax muscles and better facilitate the transport of nutrients around the body.

  • Decreasing stress and promoting relaxation by calming the nervous system. When you are stressed, your body’s sympathetic nervous system (the fight or flight response) is overstimulated due to the activation of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Acupuncture triggers your parasympathetic nervous system (also known as the rest and digest part of the nervous system) which is responsible for putting the brakes on and helping the body to relax. Too much stress can lower your pain threshold, making pain more intense. 

  • Healing and repairing tissues more effectively by stimulating the release of collagen-secreting proteins called fibroblasts that are responsible for restoring tissue health.

There have been numerous studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of acupuncture for myofascial pain syndrome by releasing myofascial trigger points. Even after one treatment, acupuncture has shown to have a favorable effect on pain intensity (reducing pain significantly), improving physical function and increasing pressure pain threshold.

One particular study looked at the therapeutic effect of acupuncture in treating myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle. Forty patients were given two treatments per week in a four-week period, using either traditional acupuncture or superficial acupuncture. Superficial acupuncture is when the needle is placed into the tissue where the trigger point is located to a depth of 5-10mm for 30 seconds. Patients (using both methods of acupuncture) reported significant and immediate improvements in reducing pain sensation and increasing pressure pain threshold over the trigger points.

How many acupuncture sessions are needed for myofascial pain syndrome?

Here at Morningside Acupuncture, we recommend having one or two acupuncture sessions per week for three to four weeks as a starting point for myofascial pain syndrome. The number of sessions you require will depend on the severity of your condition and your medical history; we will be able to advise you further on your first appointment.

Relieve myofascial pain syndrome naturally

Myofascial pain syndrome is a painful and incapacitating condition caused by trigger points in the muscle fascia. It can be treated naturally using acupuncture which is highly effective for reducing pain and inflammation, increasing mobility and improving blood flow to the area. Book in a consultation with one of our experienced acupuncturists to discuss the best treatment approach for your myofascial pain syndrome.

Over to you

If you liked this article, please share with friends and family who may be suffering with myofascial pain syndrome.

Sources:

Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.

 

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Theodore Levarda

Teddy is a licensed acupuncturist and certified myofascial trigger point therapist at Morningside Acupuncture in New York City.

Teddy specializes in combining traditional acupuncture with dry needling to treat pain, sports injuries, and stress.

https://www.morningsideacupuncturenyc.com/
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