Over the past 25 years, the approach to treating muscle pain has changed dramatically due to new discoveries in the neurophysiology of the body's receptors. To date, 31 types of receptors have been described that respond to muscle stretching, harmful stimuli (such as needles, impacts, temperature, rough touch, emotions), and chemical agents. It has been proven that muscle pain can arise not only from mechanical causes but also from chemical, emotional, and thermal stimuli. Methods for assessing receptor interactions and correcting dysfunctions are currently being submitted for FDA approval.
The ideal pathway to help you is a combination of three sequential methods:
- Functional Neurology – restoring the brain’s reflexive control over the receptor systems of muscles, ligaments, and joints (repairing the body's “electrical wiring”).
- Osteopathy / Manual Therapy / Physiotherapy / Massage – restoring joint mobility and muscle elasticity.
- Therapeutic Exercise / Gymnastics / Yoga / Pilates – consolidating results and improving muscle quality (strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular activity).
These are not competing approaches but rather tools within a single process aimed at eliminating pain and restoring function.
Why this sequence? Why Functional Neurology first?
Because the earliest dysfunction in muscles and ligaments is muscle tone weakness, not pain. The cause of this weakness is dysfunction of receptors located in the skin, muscles, and ligaments. When receptors malfunction, the brain “switches off” the muscles associated with the problem, making them hypotonic*. This is an evolutionary protective response (“to prevent further damage”). At the same time, the brain compensates by creating hypertonic muscles.
Thus, a muscular problem is always under the control of the brain, binary in nature (“weak muscle + tight muscle”), and unrelated to physical fitness. It is essentially a software problem (meaning it can only be detected through muscle weakness testing and is not measurable with conventional instruments).
When does pain appear?
Pain usually develops when approximately 3–5 receptor dysfunctions accumulate. At this point, the brain begins to “protest” — essentially issuing an order to stay home and avoid movement. From an evolutionary perspective, joint pain and swelling are also protective responses designed to limit movement and promote healing.
Pain, like reduced muscle tone, is generated in the brain rather than at the site where it is felt.
At this stage, functional neurology methods (neuro-techniques) are highly effective. These may then be followed by manual therapy, osteopathy, massage, therapeutic exercise, and preferred sports activities.
What happens if receptor dysfunctions are not corrected?
If left untreated, receptor dysfunctions gradually alter posture, joint mechanics, and the wear of cartilage tissues. This manifests as pain and inflammation**. Later, fibrosis*** develops, followed by accelerated joint degeneration (osteoarthritis). This process usually takes 7–12 years.
These are already hardware problems, visible on X-rays, MRI scans, and EMG studies.
At this stage, if pain is rated at 7/10 or higher, anti-inflammatory medications are usually recommended first to reduce pain below the 7/10 threshold, followed by physical correction methods such as osteopathy, physiotherapy, massage, and therapeutic exercise.
Treatment Standards
The minimum gold standard of treatment is three sessions, followed by an evaluation of treatment outcomes (recovery or continuation of therapy).
X-rays, MRI, EMG/NCS, and blood biochemistry tests are recommended when clinically indicated.
Explanatory Notes
- Weak (hypotonic) muscle – refers to reduced central muscle tone rather than reduced muscle strength. Decreased muscle tone can only be corrected through neuro-functional techniques. Muscle strength, however, is improved through exercise. A muscle may be strong but still hypotonic and poorly activated.
** Muscle pain – is the next stage following decreased muscle tone and results from hypoxia and swelling of muscle tissue.
*** Fibrosis – partial replacement of muscle tissue with connective (rigid) tissue; typically develops after six months or longer.
With wishes for a speedy recovery,
Victor Gut, DO, PhD
