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Myofascial Pain & Trigger-Point Symptoms
Quick answer
Myofascial pain describes localised muscle pain and tenderness that may limit movement and comfort. Muscle pain can have several causes, and trigger points should not be treated as a universal explanation for all pain — assessment identifies contributing factors before any treatment is selected.
Common symptoms
- Localised muscle tenderness
- Aching with sustained postures
- Reduced comfort with repetitive tasks
Potential causes and contributing factors
- Sustained postural and occupational load
- Training-load changes
- Contributions from joint or nerve-related problems
Who commonly experiences it
Desk-based professionals, manual workers and people with fluctuating training loads.
How it is assessed at Back2Health
- Movement and posture review
- Muscle and joint examination
- Screening for other contributing causes
- Activity and work review
Where shockwave may fit
Where muscle pain is a genuine contributor, shockwave may be used conservatively as one element of a broader plan.
Where it may not fit
Persistent widespread pain, or pain with neurological symptoms, requires broader assessment rather than local treatment alone.
Rehabilitation and alternative treatment
Whether or not shockwave is used, the rehabilitation plan does the long-term work. Alternatives and adjuncts may include physiotherapy alone, manual therapy where indicated, load management, footwear or equipment changes, and referral for imaging or a medical opinion.
- Movement and postural variation strategies
- Progressive strength and endurance work
- Workstation and task planning
- Activity pacing
When medical referral may be needed
Unexplained widespread pain, weight loss or night pain should be medically assessed.
Seek urgent care for major trauma, sudden inability to bear weight, suspected fracture, severe swelling or redness, fever, unexplained weight loss, progressive weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Myofascial Pain & Trigger-Point Symptoms — questions patients ask
No. Muscle pain has multiple possible mechanisms, and assessment aims to identify the actual drivers.
Medical disclaimer. Information on this website is provided for general education and does not replace an individual clinical diagnosis or medical advice. Shockwave therapy is not suitable for every person or every condition. A qualified clinician must assess suitability.
Written by the Back2Health physiotherapy and rehabilitation team · Clinically reviewed by the Back2Health clinical team · Last reviewed 3 August 2026
Find out whether shockwave is right for your condition
Start with a clinical assessment. The Back2Health team will evaluate the source of your symptoms, explain whether shockwave is appropriate and build a rehabilitation plan around your goals.