Can Botox muscle injections help with severe muscle spasms/muscle knots in the muscles in my right shoulder blade area?

Question

I have extremely painful muscle spasms/knots only around my right shoulder blade present for several years. Previously I could work out the knots with a Theracane or rolling on a tennis ball, but for the past year I now only receive a few minutes of relief before the spasms recur and I have these spasms every day throughout the day. Physical therapy, deep tissue massage/trigger point release, dry needling/trigger point injection, muscle relaxants, gels/patches, rollers have not provided relief.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes we do this frequently in my practice, it take sa number of units and has to be done every 3-4 months but is often life changing.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! Botox is FDA-approved for treatment of upper limb spasticity and it may be covered by insurances as well. I hope it helps and good luck!

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question jeokw1234. I am sorry to hear about your situation. Botox
is a purified protein used to address wrinkles associated with facial
expression. It can also be used in other areas. It would be advisable to consult with a neurologist who specializes in such issues. The Real Self community includes mostly cosmetic physicians, although some have experience with muscle spasms. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Vilma Di Maria, MBBS · Answer

Really great question. 
I have a number of patients who present for this reason. I inject directly into the knots ( trigger points) . The goal is to relax the muscle and retrain it to stay relaxed. You help guide the injector on the points and he/she will inject directly into them .
Good luck

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

Botox may actually help but to try it you need to see a board certified neurologist and it should be done with EMG monitoring

Can Botox muscle injections help with severe muscle spasms/muscle knots in the muscles in my right shoulder blade area?

Answers (5)