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palviamd@physiologicnyc.com
409 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NYMyofascial Pain
Myofascial Pain Treatment in Brooklyn, NY
Myofascial pain is a common cause of chronic muscle pain and stiffness, often driven by tight bands of muscle known as trigger points. Because myofascial pain can mimic spine or joint conditions, accurate diagnosis is essential before selecting treatment. At Motionis Medicine, myofascial pain is evaluated through a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach focused on identifying the true source of symptoms and guiding appropriate non-surgical care.
Care is led by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with over 15 years of experience in managing complex musculoskeletal and muscle-driven pain conditions.
What Is Myofascial Pain?
Myofascial pain is a condition involving muscles and the surrounding connective tissue (fascia). It is characterised by the presence of trigger points—tight, sensitive areas within muscle fibres that can cause local pain or refer pain to other parts of the body.
Myofascial pain can affect:
Neck and Shoulders
stiffness and tension headaches
Back
upper and lower spinal regions
Hips and Pelvis
muscle-driven pelvic or hip pain
Jaw and Facial Muscles
facial pain or TMJ-like symptoms
Extremities
radiating discomfort in the limbs
Unlike structural spine conditions, myofascial pain is primarily muscle-driven, though it often coexists with other pain generators.
Common Myofascial Pain Symptoms
Symptoms may vary depending on the muscles involved and may include:
Because symptoms can overlap with nerve or joint pain, further evaluation is often required.
Deep, aching muscle pain
Localised tenderness or “knots” in the muscle
Pain that worsens with activity or prolonged posture
Referred pain patterns away from the trigger point
Muscle stiffness or reduced range of motion
Fatigue or discomfort that persists despite rest
Common Causes of Myofascial Pain We Evaluate
Myofascial pain can develop due to several contributing factors, including:
Muscle overuse or repetitive strain
Poor posture or ergonomic stress
Acute injury or muscle trauma
Prolonged muscle guarding due to spine or joint pain
Stress-related muscle tension
Biomechanical imbalances
Identifying why muscles have become dysfunctional is important for effective treatment planning.
How Myofascial Pain Is Evaluated
Evaluation focuses on determining whether muscle dysfunction is the primary driver of pain or part of a broader condition. A physician-led assessment may include:
Detailed clinical history and physical examination
Palpation of muscles to identify trigger points
Assessment of posture, movement, and biomechanics
Review of prior imaging to rule out structural causes
Diagnostic injections, when appropriate, to clarify pain sources
This structured approach helps differentiate myofascial pain from nerve- or joint-mediated conditions.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Myofascial Pain
Treatment recommendations depend on symptom severity, contributing factors, and functional goals. Non-surgical options may include:
Trigger point injections
Image-guided injections when myofascial pain coexists with spine or joint pathology
Targeted rehabilitation and recovery planning
Coordination with physical therapy or manual therapy approaches
Regenerative and non-surgical orthopedic options, when appropriate
All interventions are selected as part of a comprehensive care plan focused on long-term symptom control and functional recovery.
When a Specialist Evaluation May Help
You may benefit from a specialist evaluation if:
Muscle pain persists despite physical therapy or stretching
Pain recurs or spreads to multiple regions
Trigger points limit movement or daily activities
Imaging does not explain symptoms
Pain interferes with work, sleep, or quality of life
A comprehensive evaluation can help clarify whether myofascial pain is driving symptoms and guide appropriate next steps.
Schedule a Myofascial Pain Evaluation
If persistent muscle pain or tightness is limiting your comfort or mobility, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify your options and guide appropriate non-surgical care.