In this Article

• Introduction to myofascial pain
• What causes myofascial pain?
• What are the symptoms of myofascial pain?
• How is myofascial pain diagnosed?
• How is myofascial pain treated?
• Patient Discussions: Muscle Pain (Myofascial Pain Syndrome) - Effective Treatments
• Muscle Pain Glossary
• Muscle Pain Index

How is myofascial pain treated?

• Physical therapy
• "Stretch and spray" technique: This treatment involves spraying the muscle and trigger point with a coolant and then slowly stretching the muscle.
• Massage therapy
• Trigger point injection

In some chronic cases of myofascial pain, combinations of physical therapy, trigger point injections, and massage are needed. In select cases, medication is used to treat other conditions that often occur with myofascial pain, such as insomnia and depression.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience Center.

Edited by Ephraim K Brenman, DO, on March 1, 2007.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005

Muscle Pain (Myofascial Pain Syndrome) - Effective Treatments

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

What treatments have been effective for your muscle pain (myofascial pain syndrome)?

Anonymously share your comment to help others.
See 14 Viewer Comments

Submit Your Comment

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• clonazepam, Klonopin - Explains the medication clonazepam (Klonopin), a drug used for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.
• Cortisone Injection - Read about cortisone injection treatment for inflammation, allergic reaction, sciatica and arthritis. Learn about side effects and complications of a cortisone shot.
• Stress - Read about stress symptoms, signs, causes and treatment. Get information on stress management tips, the effects on the body and stress types (teen, job, PTSD).

Read more Muscle Pain related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Dr. Smith's Swine Flu Q and A
• Swine Flu: U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency
• Study Supports Wider Use of Statins
• A Substitute for Those Who Can't Take Statins?