Muscle pain/discomfort

Muscle pain (myalgia) is a widespread symptom that affects many people at some point in their lives. It can occur suddenly or develop over a longer period of time. While acute muscle pain is often caused by overexertion or minor injuries, chronic discomfort can indicate persistent tension or underlying health conditions. The most common causes include physical overexertion, poor posture, stress, and repetitive strain in everyday life or work. A lack of physical activity can also lead to muscle tension and pain, as weak muscles fail to adequately support the joints and spine.

Muscle disorders cause pain that can manifest not only in the muscles but also in bones, joints, tendons, and soft tissues. It is a frequent condition, significantly impacts patients’ quality of life, and is often accompanied by emotional distress and depression, which can lead to psychological disorders. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the musculoskeletal system is closely linked to the liver, spleen, and kidneys. The liver controls tendons and ligaments, the spleen nourishes muscles and limbs, and the kidneys govern bones and bone marrow.

In recent years, muscle-related complaints have increased, partly due to changing lifestyles, more sedentary activities, and a growing lack of exercise. Particularly affected are individuals who work long hours at a desk or perform physically demanding tasks.

From the perspective of TCM, the most common etiologies are a deficiency of Qi and blood in the body, the invasion of external pathogenic factors (wind, dampness, cold, heat), blockage of meridians, and poor circulation of Qi and blood. Additionally, turbid phlegm and blood stasis may remain in the muscles and joints, causing damage to muscles and bones. In mild cases, this may lead to numbness and pain, while more severe cases can present with a variety of symptoms. Generally, these causes rarely appear in isolation and often manifest in combination. Furthermore, chronic pain in middle-aged individuals is usually due to deficiencies in Yin-Yang energy and blood. Therefore, in diagnosing symptoms, it is necessary to determine whether the patient has a Qi deficiency and whether there is an adequate supply of nutrients to nourish Qi and blood and support the liver, spleen, and kidneys.

In TCM, these issues are treated using herbal medicine, acupuncture, Tuina massage therapy, and dietary therapy. When the body detects a blockage somewhere, it sends a pain signal to the brain. In response, the brain halts movement in that area to prevent further damage and tenses surrounding muscles to protect it.

If adequate rest or proper healing is delayed at this point, a phenomenon known as “fixation” may occur. In other words, the damaged and deformed body becomes stiff. If this condition persists, the body may begin to recognize this abnormal state as “normal.” Externally, it may seem that everything is fine because there is no pain, but in reality, due to the ongoing misalignment of the body structure, unnecessary stimulation occurs, which can eventually lead to spinal disorders such as a herniated disc.

When the muscles, bones, and joints of the body become abnormally deformed due to factors such as poor posture, aging, or physical strain, nerves, fascia, or other surrounding tissues that are normally not irritated may become irritated and cause pain. If this unnecessary irritation continues, muscles and ligaments become increasingly tense. This stiffening of surrounding tissues results in poor blood circulation, poor nourishment, inflammation, and pain in areas that are repeatedly irritated.

In our clinic, we use acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and Tuina techniques to relax tissues, realign misaligned bones to their proper positions, and reduce irritation of surrounding nerves and fascia to relieve pain.

We would be happy to advise you on your individual symptoms and the possible therapies.