Treatments

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Fibromyalgia

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a technique often used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) involving the insertion of heated or electric stimulated needles into acupoints to relief pain. Studies showed positive results in treating both MPS and fibromyalgia.

A needle is inserted directly into a trigger point or in several places around it to loosen up the knot. When no medication is used, the technique is called dry needling similar to acupuncture. Pain-relieving medication, such as corticosteroids or lidocaine can be injected sometimes.

Trigger-point injections has no positive effect on fibromyalgia tender points although it is still effective in relieving trigger points in fibromyalgia patients. However, some doctors believe that injection of corticosteroids to treat trigger points can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms

Physical therapy

Spray-and-stretch therapy involves going through a series of stretching exercise with a physical therapist. The therapist will apply a numbing spray on your muscles when necessary

Fibromyalgia

Massage

Massage technique helps loosen muscles and trigger points

Massage only help to provide temporary pain relief, stress relief and induce relaxation but has no effect on tender points

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are not effective for fibromyalgia because they provide pain relief caused by inflammation, and studies have shown that fibromyalgia is not an inflammatory condition.

Tricyclic antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants are also administered although SSRI/SNRI antidepressants are becoming more popular