Currently accepting new patients
Address

‍
2007 Medical Pkwy, Suite B
San Marcos, TX 78666
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Office hours

Mon - Friday: 8AM – 5PM
Weekends:
Closed

Phone

Phone: (512) 298-1645

Fax: (512) 298-1795

Accepted insurance

- Aetna
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Champ VA
- Cigna
- CMS
- Connected Senior Care Alliance
- Friday
- GEHA
- Humana
- Medicare
- Multiplan
- Oscar
- Railroad Medicare
- Smarthealth
- Tricare
- Triwest
- United Healthcare
- WellMed
- Worker's Compensation
- Private Pay

What Is Myofascial Pain?

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain condition that affects the muscles and the surrounding connective tissue, called fascia. It is characterized by the presence of trigger points: small, sensitive knots that form within tight muscle fibers. When pressure is applied to these trigger points, pain frequently radiates to other parts of the body, a pattern known as referred pain. Because this referred pain can appear far from its actual source, myofascial pain is sometimes difficult to identify without a careful evaluation by an experienced pain management specialist.

Myofascial pain can develop gradually and may persist over weeks, months, or longer. Without appropriate treatment, it can affect a person's mobility, sleep, and overall quality of life. The board certified physicians at Greater Austin Pain Center are experienced in evaluating and managing this condition for patients throughout the San Marcos, TX area.

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How Myofascial Pain Affects the Body

Myofascial pain affects the body both at the site of the involved muscles and beyond. Patients who suffer from this condition often describe a persistent, deep aching in the affected muscle or muscle group. Stiffness, localized tenderness, and tight bands of muscle tissue are common, and these changes can restrict range of motion and make routine physical activity uncomfortable or difficult.

One of the more confusing aspects of myofascial pain is how trigger points can refer discomfort to areas of the body that seem unrelated to the original site. For example, trigger points in the shoulder or upper back muscles may contribute to neck pain or headaches, while points in the hip or pelvis can sometimes be associated with hip pain or radiating sensations that resemble nerve pain. In some cases, patients also report symptoms that overlap with other pain conditions, such as joint pain or knee pain, making an accurate diagnosis especially important.

Common Symptoms of Myofascial Pain

  • Deep, aching pain in a muscle or muscle group
  • Pain that worsens with physical activity or emotional stress
  • Tender knots or tight bands within the muscles
  • Referred pain that radiates from the affected area
  • Limited mobility and muscle stiffness
  • Headaches associated with trigger points in the neck or shoulders
  • Sleep disturbances and daytime fatigue

Chronic myofascial pain may also be associated with heightened stress, anxiety, and fatigue, all of which can further affect daily life and make recovery more challenging without proper support.

How Myofascial Pain Affects the Body

Myofascial pain affects the body both at the site of the involved muscles and beyond. Patients who suffer from this condition often describe a persistent, deep aching in the affected muscle or muscle group. Stiffness, localized tenderness, and tight bands of muscle tissue are common, and these changes can restrict range of motion and make routine physical activity uncomfortable or difficult.

One of the more confusing aspects of myofascial pain is how trigger points can refer discomfort to areas of the body that seem unrelated to the original site. For example, trigger points in the shoulder or upper back muscles may contribute to neck pain or headaches, while points in the hip or pelvis can sometimes be associated with hip pain or radiating sensations that resemble nerve pain. In some cases, patients also report symptoms that overlap with other pain conditions, such as joint pain or knee pain, making an accurate diagnosis especially important.

Common Symptoms of Myofascial Pain

  • Deep, aching pain in a muscle or muscle group
  • Pain that worsens with physical activity or emotional stress
  • Tender knots or tight bands within the muscles
  • Referred pain that radiates from the affected area
  • Limited mobility and muscle stiffness
  • Headaches associated with trigger points in the neck or shoulders
  • Sleep disturbances and daytime fatigue

Chronic myofascial pain may also be associated with heightened stress, anxiety, and fatigue, all of which can further affect daily life and make recovery more challenging without proper support.

A physical therapist in blue scrubs examines a woman's lower back as she sits on an exam table in a clinic, lifting her shirt slightly to expose the area.

Treatment Options for Myofascial Pain in San Marcos

At Greater Austin Pain Center, the pain specialists at our San Marcos, TX clinic develop a customized plan for each patient based on the severity of their symptoms, the root cause of their condition, and their specific needs and goals. Treatment for myofascial pain is generally non-surgical and focuses on relieving trigger points, reducing muscle tension, restoring mobility, and improving function so that patients can return to their daily life with greater comfort.

Non-Surgical Approaches and Conservative Care

For many patients, non surgical approaches form the foundation of an effective treatment plan. Conservative care may include guidance on posture correction and ergonomic adjustments to reduce ongoing strain, as well as recommendations for stretching and gradual return to physical activity. Your care team may also recommend physical therapy for targeted stretching and strengthening work; while physical therapy is not provided directly by GAPC, we can coordinate a referral to physical therapists in the San Marcos area as part of a broader, multidisciplinary approach to your care.

Interventional Pain Management Treatments

When conservative care alone is not providing adequate pain relief, our pain management specialist team may recommend minimally invasive procedures to more directly address the source of your symptoms. For myofascial pain in San Marcos, TX, relevant treatment options available at our clinic include:

  • Trigger Point Injections: a targeted injection of local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly into active trigger points, aimed at relaxing tight muscle fibers and providing localized pain relief
  • Nerve Blocks: may be considered when nerve pain or referred pain patterns are a significant component of a patient's symptoms
  • Radiofrequency Ablation: in select cases, this approach may be explored for longer-term management of chronic pain

Medication management, including pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and in some cases other medications to support sleep or reduce nerve-related symptoms, may also be incorporated into a patient's plan. The goal of every treatment plan is to address the root cause of discomfort and support meaningful, lasting pain relief using the latest minimally invasive therapies available.

Treating chronic pain like myofascial pain syndrome requires patience and an individualized approach. The pain management team at our San Marcos clinic is committed to high quality care and works with each patient to adjust their plan as their symptoms and recovery progress.

Woman at elevators in front of San Antonio Eye Specialists sign.

Getting Care for Myofascial Pain at Our San Marcos Clinic

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Step 1: Schedule Your First Appointment

Scheduling your first appointment at our San Marcos office is straightforward. You can call our team at (512) 298-1645 or schedule online. We are currently accepting new patients and work with a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare, Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, and others, so you can contact our office to confirm your coverage before your first visit.

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Step 2: Evaluation and Diagnosis

At your initial visit, one of our board certified physicians will conduct a thorough physical examination and review your medical history, symptoms, and any prior test results. Because myofascial pain can mimic or overlap with other pain conditions, the evaluation is designed to develop a better understanding of where your trigger points are located, what may have caused them, and whether additional diagnostic testing is needed to rule out contributing factors.

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Step 3: Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on the findings from your evaluation, your pain management specialist will work with you to build a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This customized plan may include trigger point injections, medication management, referrals to physical therapists, and other pain management treatments depending on what is most appropriate for your situation. The plan is designed to reduce discomfort, improve function, and support recovery in a way that fits your daily life.

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Step 4: Ongoing Care and Follow-Up

Myofascial pain often responds best to consistent, ongoing care rather than a single intervention. Your care team at the San Marcos clinic will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your symptoms, review your progress, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Many patients experience meaningful improvement in mobility and pain relief over the course of treatment, and our team remains available to support you through each stage of your recovery.

Testimonials

5 gold stars

"Dr. Jarzembeck is AMAZING. I HIGHLY recommend her for anyone suffering in pain. She goes above and beyond to make sure her patients pain has been dealt with."

Genia G.
5 gold stars

"Everyone is so friendly and helpful, Dr. Bednar came to me and explained the procedure and answered my questions. Highly recommend!"

Maggie G.
5 gold stars

"Dr. Julia is the best! The staff is professional and friendly to all. Best of all, Dr. Julia is finding solutions for my chronic pain! Never thought that it would be possible. It's a journey for me, but it seems like there is a solution."

Nancy M.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can myofascial pain syndrome be effectively treated?

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Yes. Myofascial pain syndrome can often be managed effectively with a combination of conservative care and interventional pain management treatments. At our San Marcos clinic, treatment may include trigger point injections, medication management, and referrals to physical therapists, among other options tailored to each patient's specific needs and goals.

What causes myofascial pain syndrome?

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Myofascial pain can develop from a variety of causes, including muscle overuse or repetitive strain, acute injury or trauma, poor posture, chronic stress, sleep disturbances, and certain coexisting conditions such as fibromyalgia or arthritis. Both excessive physical activity and prolonged inactivity can contribute to the formation of trigger points.

How do trigger point injections help with myofascial pain?

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Trigger point injections deliver a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly into the active trigger points within tight muscle fibers. This can help relax the affected muscles, reduce inflammation, and provide localized pain relief. Many patients also experience improved mobility following this treatment.

Is myofascial pain the same as fibromyalgia?

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No. While myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia share some overlapping symptoms, they are distinct conditions. Fibromyalgia typically involves widespread pain and fatigue throughout the body, whereas myofascial pain is generally more localized and centered around specific trigger points in the muscles and fascia. A thorough evaluation helps determine which condition is present.

Can stress make myofascial pain worse?

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Yes. Emotional stress can increase muscle tension and contribute to increased trigger point activity, which may worsen or prolong myofascial pain symptoms. Addressing stress as part of an overall treatment plan is often an important component of managing this condition over time.

Does insurance cover myofascial pain treatment?

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Greater Austin Pain Center accepts a broad range of insurance plans, including Medicare, Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, Tricare, and others. Coverage for specific myofascial pain treatments varies depending on your individual plan and benefits. We encourage you to contact our San Marcos office before your first appointment so our team can help verify your coverage and answer any questions.

Lunch & Learn With Our Doctors

Curious about interventional pain treatments in Austin, TX? Join our doctors for an in-person lunch and learn session to find out more about these treatments and ask any questions you may have. This event will be 12–1pm, sign up below to receive more details and RSVP.

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Find Relief from Myofascial Pain at Greater Austin Pain Center in San Marcos

If persistent muscle pain, stiffness, or trigger point discomfort is affecting your daily life, the pain specialists at Greater Austin Pain Center are here to help you find a path forward. Contact our San Marcos, TX clinic at (512) 298-1645 or schedule an appointment online to get started. With locations in Austin, Kyle, and Dripping Springs in addition to San Marcos, our team is ready to provide compassionate care close to home.

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