Balance method manual acupuncture for shoulder myofascial pain syndrome: A case report

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is defined as regional muscular pain caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), and an MTrP is defined as a hyperirritable spot within a palpable taut band of skeletal muscle fibers. MTrPs may develop after an initial injury to the muscle fiber. The incidence of MPS varies in the general population, with an estimated prevalence of 21% to 30% visits to Internal Medicine and Orthopedic clinics. The modalities used for the treatment of MPS include pharmacologic (non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, opioids, etc.) and non-pharmacologic (exercise, postural modifications, massage, etc.) strategies. Acupuncture is widely used for the treatment of MPS, although the mechanism of action is not clearly understood. This case report showcases the effect of acupuncture using the Balance Method, a relatively new and rarely published method, for the treatment of MPS due to MTrPs of the shoulder and neck. In this case, the Balance Method had effectively relieved pain and eliminated all MTrPs.