Methods Of Treating Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Ultrasound

In ultrasound treatments, sound waves relieve pain by warming the affected tissues and stimulating blood flow. Therapeutic ultrasound can be used to treat muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. The sound waves penetrate deep beneath the skin to warm the soft tissues underneath. They thus promote healing and reduce pain.

A physical therapist can use sound waves to warm and loosen tight muscles or tendons. They may provide treatment before stretching the patient’s muscles to increase the extensibility of those muscles. Similarly, administering soundwaves before exercise can improve a patient’s range of motion. The therapist will use a machine with a transducer that emits sound waves and will apply a gel to help the transducer run smoothly over the skin. They will then move the transducer in a circular motion and can change the settings to ensure the patient gets the most beneficial number of soundwaves. Soundwave treatments are painless, and the patient usually feels only a slight tingling or warming.