Some of the different types of muscle pain treatment include rest, anti-inflammatory medicine, and deep tissue massage. A physical therapy exercise program may help to reduce pain associated with a muscle injury. Other treatments include ultrasound and cortisone injections. If the pain is a symptom of fibromyalgia, treatments such as stress reduction and exercise can be important.
The appropriate type of muscle pain treatment depends on the underlying cause. Resting from any activity that causes pain is nearly always the first step, however, because this is essential for allowing the muscle to heal. Muscle pain can be caused by a variety of factors including being overloaded, muscle fiber tears, and conditions such as fibromyalgia; as such, treatments vary considerably. Along with rest, a doctor will often recommend the use of over-the-counter painkilling medication for minor muscle pain.
Massage is commonly employed as a muscle pain treatment. When muscles are overworked and strained, the damage is healed by scar tissue. Over time, large amounts of scar tissue builds up which can cause pain. Deep tissue massage is often effective at getting rid of scar tissue, thus allowing the muscle to function as it should. This is sometimes known as trigger point or sports massage.
If the discomfort is caused by an injury, muscle pain treatment may involve a stretching and strengthening routine. To begin with, treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing the muscle from tightening up. Once the initial pain has subsided, stretching the muscle is essential to ensure that it continues to function correctly. Strengthening exercises can reduce the chance of the injury reoccurring in the future.
There are a number of other treatments that a physical therapist may use when treating muscle pain. Ultrasound, for example, is effective at breaking down scar tissue below the surface of the muscle. Injection of an anti-inflammatory drug, specifically cortisone, into the muscle can be useful for relieving pain if inflammation is present. Applying heat to the muscle can help with chronic pain because it makes the muscle fibers relax.
Those with fibromyalgia may suffer from a large amount of muscle pain. This type of pain isn’t caused by inflammation, however, so it needs to be treated differently. Fibromyalgia muscle pain treatment usually involves educating the patient about his or her condition, along with reducing stress levels. Exercise which doesn’t cause pain is also important. Medication for relieving discomfort may be recommended.
