Shockwave Therapy for Myofascial Trigger Points and Chronic Muscle Tension
Living with Persistent Knots and Muscle Tension?
If you've been dealing with tight, tender knots in your neck, shoulders, or upper back that just won't release no matter how much you stretch, massage, or rest you may be dealing with myofascial trigger points. These small, hyperirritable bands of muscle tissue are one of the most common causes of chronic neck, shoulder, and upper back pain, and they can also refer pain elsewhere in the body, including tension headaches.
If you've tried massage, stretching, or painkillers with only short-term relief, Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) could be the missing link to lasting recovery.
Symptoms of Myofascial Trigger Points
Myofascial pain syndrome develops when muscle fibres remain in a state of sustained contraction, forming a tight, palpable "knot" Common symptoms include:
A tight, tender band or nodule within the muscle, often in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
Localised pain that worsens with pressure on the trigger point
Pain that refers or radiates to nearby areas, including tension-type headaches
Restricted range of motion in the neck or shoulder
Muscle stiffness that returns quickly after stretching or massage
Fatigue or aching that worsens with stress or prolonged poor posture
Why Do Trigger Points Develop?
Trigger points are typically caused by a combination of muscular overload and poor tissue recovery. Contributing factors include:
Poor posture- particularly prolonged desk work, screen use, or driving
Repetitive strain from work, sport, or carrying heavy bags
Psychological stress- which increases baseline muscle tension
Previous injury or muscle imbalance - causing certain muscles to overwork
Sedentary lifestyle - reducing normal muscle blood flow and recovery
How Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) Can Help
Shockwave Therapy delivers controlled acoustic waves directly into the affected muscle tissue, mechanically disrupting the trigger point and stimulating the body's natural healing response.
Key benefits of RSWT for myofascial trigger points, supported by a systematic review and meta-analysis in Annals of Translational Medicine
Releases tight knots and hyperirritable bands – mechanical pulses help relax the sustained muscle contraction that forms a trigger point
Desensitises local nerve endings – the acoustic pulses interrupt pain signalling, breaking the chronic pain cycle and allowing normal movement to return
Improves local blood circulation – increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to fatigued, tight muscle tissue, aiding recovery
Reduces referred pain and headaches – by treating the source trigger point directly, radiating symptoms often settle alongside local pain
Combining Treatment for Best Results
RSWT is most effective when combined with osteopathy or physiotherapy, which can:
Identify and correct the postural or biomechanical causes driving trigger point formation
Improve muscle strength, flexibility, and movement patterns
Provide hands-on soft tissue release alongside shockwave sessions
Reduce the likelihood of trigger points returning
Why Choose Midtown Wellness?
At Midtown Wellness, Covent Garden, London, we specialise in evidence-based RSWT treatments, combined with expert osteopathy and physiotherapy care. Our team takes a thorough approach to identifying the root cause of your muscle tension, not just treating the symptoms. We are recognised by major health insurers, including Bupa, AXA, and Healix.
