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Review article
- Physical therapy, Sports Therapy, and Rehabilitation
- Ultrasound imaging and guidance in the management of myofascial pain syndrome: a narrative review
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Wei-Ting Wu
, Ke-Vin Chang
, Vincenzo Ricci
, Levent Özçakar
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J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2024;41(3):179-187. Published online June 17, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.00416
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Abstract
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- Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by muscle pain, tenderness, and trigger points. Ultrasonography has emerged as a key tool for diagnosing and treating MPS owing to its ability to provide precise, minimally invasive guidance. This review discusses the use of ultrasonography in various approaches to evaluate and manage MPS. Studies have shown that shear-wave sonoelastography can effectively assess muscle elasticity and offer insights into trapezius stiffness in patients with MPS. Ultrasound-guided interfascial hydrodissection, especially with visual feedback, has demonstrated effectiveness in treating trapezius MPS. Similarly, ultrasound-guided rhomboid interfascial plane blocks and perimysium dissection for posterior shoulder MPS have significantly reduced pain and improved quality of life. The combination of extracorporeal shockwave therapy with ultrasound-guided lidocaine injections has been particularly successful in reducing pain and stiffness in trapezius MPS. Research regarding various guided injections, including dry needling, interfascial plane blocks, and fascial hydrodissection, emphasizes the importance of ultrasonography for accuracy and safety. Additionally, ultrasound-guided delivery of local anesthetics and steroids to the quadratus lumborum muscle has shown lasting pain relief over a 6-month period. Overall, these findings highlight the pivotal role of ultrasonography in the assessment and treatment of MPS.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by

- The Comparative Efficacy of Treatments for Cervicogenic Headache: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
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European Journal of Pain.2026;[Epub] CrossRef - Myofascial pain in older adults: a geroscience-informed framework integrating precision geriatrics and digital therapeutics
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Kwangho Kim, Juhwan Song, Hongmin Chu, Robin Kwon, Seongjun Park, Junhui Kwon, Hyeon Joon Hong, Youngyun Lee, Sanghyuk Kwon, Kyungho Kang, Jungtae Leem, Cheol-Hyun Kim
Journal of Pain Research.2025; Volume 18: 1417. CrossRef - Integrating Ultrasound-Guided Injections and Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation in Chronic Myofascial/Lumbar Pain
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Life.2025; 15(4): 563. CrossRef - Ultrasound-guided 10% dextrose interfascial hydrodissection for patients with myofascial pain syndrome: A retrospective observational study
Tao Wu, Bao Ru, Haixin Song, Zhiping Liao, Xiaotian Yang, Fangchao Wu, Jianhua Li
Medicine.2025; 104(25): e42587. CrossRef - Importance of Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Psoas Major Muscle and Ultrasound-Guided Treatment Algorithm
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Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef - Integrating Ultrasound-Guided Multifidus Injections with Repeated Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation for Low Back Pain: A Feasibility Study
Wei-Ting Wu, Ke-Vin Chang, Levent Özçakar
Journal of Pain Research.2024; Volume 17: 2873. CrossRef - Ultrasound-guided fascial plane blocks in chronic pain: a narrative review
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Resident fellow section: Teaching imageses
- Physical therapy, Sports Therapy, and Rehabilitation
- Right arm pain after strength training: ultrasound imaging for pectoralis major tendon strain
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Ting-Yu Lin
, Ke-Vin Chang
, Wei-Ting Wu
, Levent Özçakar
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J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2023;40(1):109-111. Published online October 25, 2022
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2022.00626
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5,892
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Citations
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- MSK Ultrasound: A Powerful Tool for Evaluating and Diagnosing Pectoralis Major Injuries in Healthcare Practice
Robert C. Manske, Chris Wolfe, Phil Page, Michael Voight
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.2024;[Epub] CrossRef