Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Meridian Wellness

7955 W Sahara Ave Suite 101

Las Vegas, NV 89117 US

702-405-6105

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • Acupunture
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
      • Your First Visit
      • Phase 1: Relief Care
      • Phase 2: Corrective Care
      • Phase 3: Wellness Care
    • Health Resources
    • Payment Options
    • New Page
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctor
    • Our Wellness Partners
  • Testimonials
  • Office Hours
  • Contact Us
  • Community Topics
    • We May Help You With
    • Modality Treatment
    • What is Acupuncture
    • Herbal and Nutritional Therapies
    • Newsletter Library
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • If You Live With Myofascial Pain, Acupuncture Can Help

If You Live With Myofascial Pain, Acupuncture Can Help

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Acupuncture treatment in the shoulder

Treating Myofascial Pain with Acupuncture

Pain medication isn't the only way to treat myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), a condition that occurs when knotty trigger points form in the muscles. MPS is a particularly common complaint and may affect as many as 85 percent of people who have musculoskeletal pain, according to a July 2020 StatPearls article. Acupuncture offers a natural way to relieve pain and tenderness caused by MFS.

What Causes Myofascial Pain?

Your muscles constantly contract and relax as you move. If you have MPS, fibers in the muscle become stuck when the muscle contracts, causing a knot or ropy band to form. The spot soon becomes irritated and tender to the touch.

MPS can be caused by overuse of your muscles, poor posture, insufficient hydration, muscle strain or injury, repetitive movements, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, stress, or not getting enough sleep or exercise.

Pain not only occurs over the knotted area but can travel to other areas too. For example, even though a trigger point is located in your shoulder, you may also feel pain in your neck. MPS can occur in any muscle but most often develops in the muscles of the neck, upper back, and shoulders. In addition to pain, other symptoms may include:

  • Weakness
  • Stiffness
  • Tenderness
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Decreased Range of Motion
  • Joint Instability
  • Mood Issues
  • Difficulty Sleeping

How Acupuncture Can Relieve Your MPS Symptoms

You'll continue to experience pain and tenderness as long as the muscle fibers remain contracted. Inserting acupuncture needles into the trigger points causes the fibers to relax and lengthen, easing your pain and improving muscle strength and tone. Acupuncturists use hair-thin needles during treatments. Although you might feel a dull ache or slight tingling sensation when the needles are placed in your skin, the treatment isn't painful.

Treatments trigger the release of natural pain-killing hormones and improve blood flow to the area, making it easier for oxygen and nutrients to reach and repair the muscle. Inflammation and irritation will also decrease as a result of your acupuncture treatments.

Your acupuncturist may recommend a few other therapies in addition to traditional acupuncture, such as herbal supplements or electroacupuncture. Electroacupuncture involves attaching a gentle electrical current to acupuncture needles to enhance the effects of the treatment.

Acupuncture Offers Effective Results

Several research studies have proven that acupuncture is a safe, effective way to treat MPS. In a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers compared the effects of both superficial and traditional acupuncture in treating trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. The large muscle covers the back of the neck and shoulders and extends into the upper back.

After four weeks of acupuncture treatment, pain intensity and pressure decreased in both treatment groups, while neck pain improved.

Acupuncture can also have a positive effect on pelvic pain in women. Seventeen women who had moderate-to-severe abdominal myofascial pain syndrome received acupuncture treatment for 10 weeks in a 2017 pilot study published in Medical Acupuncture. Improvements in pain intensity and quality of life were reported at the conclusion of the study.

Reducing Your Risk of MPS

Following these suggestions can improve the effectiveness of your acupuncture treatments and prevent new trigger points from forming:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking four to six cups of water every day.
  • Eat a diet that includes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, poultry, and lean meats.
  • Stretch your muscles and change your position frequently during the day.
  • Increase the intensity or duration of exercise sessions slowly to prevent overuse injuries.
  • Reduce stress with mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, yoga, exercise, or your favorite activities.

Do you suffer from MPS? Acupuncture offers real relief for your pain. Contact our office to schedule your appointment.

Sources:

Hindawi: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Therapeutic Effect of Superficial Acupuncture in Treating Myofascial Pain of the Upper Trapezius Muscle: A Randomized Controlled Trial, 12/2/18

Mayo Clinic: Myofascial Pain Syndrome, 10/10/19

Liebert Pub: Medical Acupuncture: Effect of Acupuncture on Chronic Pelvic Pain Secondary to Abdominal Myofascial Syndrome Not Responsive to Local Anesthetic Block: A Pilot Study, 12/1/17

Harvard Health Publishing: How Much Water Should You Drink, 3/25/20

  • We May Help You With
  • Modality Treatment
  • What is Acupuncture
  • Herbal and Nutritional Therapies
  • Newsletter Library

Sign up using the form below or call 702-405-6105 to make an appointment.

  • Meet the Doctor

    Learn more about chiropractic care at Meridian Wellness. Call us today!

    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

    Learn More
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

    Learn More

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

10:00 am

5:00 pm

Tuesday:

10:00 am

5:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am

5:00 pm

Thursday:

10:00 am

5:00 pm

Friday:

10:00 am

5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "This place is hidden behind sushi fever, but the best place I've gone to get adjusted, acupuncture, and massage all in one place!

    I've been a patient here for almost a year now and all I have to say is Dr. Lam is a wonderful doctor. Staff is friendly and office is nice and clean kept."
    Jaimie S. / Las Vegas, NV

Featured Articles

Read up on informative topics

  • How Can Acupuncture Improve My Mood?

    Have you been feeling moody lately? Acupuncture treatment may offer the perfect solution to regulate your mood. ...

    Read More
  • If You Live With Myofascial Pain, Acupuncture Can Help

    Can't get rid of a knot in your neck or back? Acupuncture treatment can help. ...

    Read More
  • 8 Tips for a Successful Acupuncture Appointment

    Are you planning to visit an acupuncturist? These tips will help you prepare for your appointment. ...

    Read More
  • Acupuncture After an Auto Accident

    Could acupuncture help you recover from an auto accident? ...

    Read More
  • How to Boost Your Energy in the Winter With Acupuncture

    It's hard to enjoy the winter months if you're exhausted. Fortunately, acupuncture can increase your flagging energy levels. ...

    Read More
  • Let Acupuncture Treatments Boost Your Immune System

    Would you like to stay healthier this winter? Acupuncture treatment can help you fight common illnesses. ...

    Read More
  • Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue

    Do you have chronic fatigue? Acupuncture can help increase your energy level naturally. ...

    Read More
  • Acupuncture For Carpal Tunnel

    Are you tired of enduring the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome? Acupuncture treatment may provide a natural solution. ...

    Read More
  • Using Acupuncture to Ease Indigestion

    If indigestion has become a constant problem, acupuncture may help. ...

    Read More
  • How Acupuncture Can Improve Your Brain Health

    Could your memory stand a little improvement? Acupuncture offers many benefits for brain health. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map