Looking for a doctor, physical therapy, acupuncture BKK for Myofascial pain syndrome

 

 

I have chronic back pain. Its been really bad last 48 hours. Yesterday I took max doses of ibuprofen and naproxen (PLEASE no stupid comments about overuse). This am pain was a bit better, but I popped a 50mg Diclofenac just the same. I feel much better. 

 

Okay, so I'm doing core exercises about 45 minutes daily and mobility exercises 15 minutes and dumbbells 15 minutes. I feel I'm not getting results.

 

What I'm also doing and probably not good is stretching the lower back area throughout the day as it has pain. Probably inflaming the area. 

 

When exercising I could be overstretching and pulling these areas ?? They always are painful, tender and feel tight.

 

Right now I'm just going to rest relax and no exercise.

 

Despite all this exercise I was operating on premise my lower back muscles were both weak and tight. Piriformus, psoas like that...

 

It might be nerves but I think 

 

Myofascial pain syndrome 

 

The pain itself moves about although it's usually on the upper part of my hip, into my upper and mid buttock. I can't get rid of it. Odd day or even moment I don't have pain.

 

Key: Disappears with Diclofenac 

 

I don't think it's spine related. Pain doesn't feel stationary or spinal. While some type of sciatica may remain in pelvic area I have never have had pain shooting down my leg.

 

I'm going to cut way back on sugar.

 

I take supplements including E and zinc. Otherwise, healthy. I can walk 10k steps a day and light jog a km at 65. Can perform most mobility routines.

 

After the pain subsides I'd like to seek help. Anyone? 

Seems you're doing all that you can.  Keep your weight in a normal range.   Add some stomach crunches if not already, balance out the muscle, front & back support, along with convex & concave stretching the back muscles.  Twisting left & right in your comfort zone.

 

May want to ease up on the jogging, as the impact of it vs just walking me increase some compression.   Might want to consider cycling for more intense aerobics,  having no impact, or even swimming if a pool is handy.   2nd house, I had a pool, small but deep enough to tread water and was my go to for aerobics, along with cycling, on village roads, or stationary if weather wasn't cooperating.

 

Good Luck

A friend has back pain and it’s his kidneys 

Moved to Health Forum.

 

Although you believe this not to be spine related it would be better to get a professional assessment. Best spine specialist in Thailand is 

 

https://www.bnhhospital.com/search-doctor/entry/4093/

 

If you get the all clear re spine, many people have recommended this place for physical therapy

 

https://www.bpcphysio.com/

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

Moved to Health Forum.

 

Although you believe this not to be spine related it would be better to get a professional assessment. Best spine specialist in Thailand is 

 

https://www.bnhhospital.com/search-doctor/entry/4093/

 

If you get the all clear re spine, many people have recommended this place for physical therapy

 

https://www.bpcphysio.com/

 

 

 

 

Every case if different but now that I have to spend more than one year in my home country (EU) my Thai wife took the opportunity to be checked for her back pain. An MRI showed friction on the spine between L4 and L5 but the spine specialist said this was a minor cause of pain....she was prescribed a long program of physical therapy to strengthen the muscles linked to the spine.

The pain itself moves about although it's usually on the upper part of my hip, into my upper and mid buttock. I can't get rid of it. Odd day or even moment I don't have pain.

 

Check for a trapped nerve in the piriformis area, find a physiotherapist with ultra sound, failing that buy one yourself from Lazada, you will be amazed, they are around B2500 

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/i5417084243-s23022194219.html?urlFlag=true&mp=1&tradePath=omItm&tradeOrderId=1006519052019865&tradeOrderLineId=1006519052119865&spm=spm%3Da2o42.order_details.item_title.1

12 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Moved to Health Forum.

 

Although you believe this not to be spine related it would be better to get a professional assessment. Best spine specialist in Thailand is 

 

https://www.bnhhospital.com/search-doctor/entry/4093/

 

If you get the all clear re spine, many people have recommended this place for physical therapy

 

https://www.bpcphysio.com/

 

 

 

 

It doesn't sound like a spine problem.

More maybe a posture problem and piriformis Syndrom.

A physiotherapist is the right choice.

On 10/11/2025 at 9:21 PM, Sheryl said:

 

 

If you get the all clear re spine, many people have recommended this place for physical therapy

 

https://www.bpcphysio.com/

 

 

 

 

Anyone have recommendations for Pattaya @Sheryl, please and thanks.

On 10/11/2025 at 9:19 AM, KhaoHom said:

 

Okay, so I'm doing core exercises about 45 minutes daily and mobility exercises 15 minutes

I have the same issue (in Pattaya)...would be interested in what core exercises you have been trying...(videos?) Thanks.

On 10/11/2025 at 12:32 PM, KhunLA said:

Seems you're doing all that you can.  Keep your weight in a normal range.   Add some stomach crunches if not already, balance out the muscle, front & back support, along with convex & concave stretching the back muscles.  Twisting left & right in your comfort zone.

 

May want to ease up on the jogging, as the impact of it vs just walking me increase some compression.   Might want to consider cycling for more intense aerobics,  having no impact, or even swimming if a pool is handy.   2nd house, I had a pool, small but deep enough to tread water and was my go to for aerobics, along with cycling, on village roads, or stationary if weather wasn't cooperating.

 

Good Luck

 

Thanks. I'm now thinking I'm doing too much stretching. I'm always trying to stretch the tightness out throughout the day. 

On 10/12/2025 at 9:37 AM, newbee2022 said:

It doesn't sound like a spine problem.

More maybe a posture problem and piriformis Syndrom.

A physiotherapist is the right choice.

 

With respect to Sheryl, I agree. The pain moves around the upper pelvic area. Piriformus and psoas muscles and other similar. I've never had a moment...oh, my spine!! I've never thought I've had bad posture but possibly too much couch, lying down. 

 

Going for acupuncture in a few days.

 

I wrecked my back repotting plants a few days ago. Stopped all exercise except for walking. Walking really helps. 

 

I think I'm sitting too much but there's really no other option in the condo. I'm out and about probably four hours each day. Walking in evening kinda crazy 4-7pm with everyone trying to get home as fast as possible 

 

Thx

On 10/12/2025 at 9:04 AM, Rimmer said:

The pain itself moves about although it's usually on the upper part of my hip, into my upper and mid buttock. I can't get rid of it. Odd day or even moment I don't have pain.

 

Check for a trapped nerve in the piriformis area, find a physiotherapist with ultra sound, failing that buy one yourself from Lazada, you will be amazed, they are around B2500 

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/i5417084243-s23022194219.html?urlFlag=true&mp=1&tradePath=omItm&tradeOrderId=1006519052019865&tradeOrderLineId=1006519052119865&spm=spm%3Da2o42.order_details.item_title.1

 

I think the acupuncturist might also offer this. Thanks. 

I've used these guys several times with great results

 

https://www.facebook.com/motionwellnesspattaya/?locale=th_TH

5 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

 

I think the acupuncturist might also offer this. Thanks. 

 

Not same! 

Acupuncture blocks the pain receptors.  Ultra sound heals the damaged tissue from within.

 

Ultra sound is NOT Micro tens which is similar to acupuncture 

On 10/11/2025 at 9:21 PM, Sheryl said:

Moved to Health Forum.

 

Although you believe this not to be spine related it would be better to get a professional assessment. Best spine specialist in Thailand is 

 

https://www.bnhhospital.com/search-doctor/entry/4093/

 

If you get the all clear re spine, many people have recommended this place for physical therapy

 

https://www.bpcphysio.com/

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you. I'm going to acupuncture Wednesday. If that doesn't resolve I'll give your advice some real consideration. Appreciate the physio recommendation.

 

Wife says she knows Dr from Sirirat just opened a spine clinic.

 

Rethinking my exercises and stretching, going to start walking again in PM.

 

* Pinched nerve could be but pain is everywhere and nowhere, random. It can even vanish in one area and appear in another same day. 

2 minutes ago, Rimmer said:

 

Not same! 

Acupuncture blocks the pain receptors.  Ultra sound heals the damaged tissue from within.

 

Ultra sound is NOT Micro tens which is similar to acupuncture 

 

Thanks. Yes, some offer tens, but a few acupuncturists menu specifically mentioned ultrasound. Whether like you say it's tens or not I don't know - thank you for pointing out the distinction.

 

With that knowledge I'll go back and look at the menu and see what's on offer. 

 

This acupuncturist has good recommendations, close, menu prices look good. 

 

I also have a lot of tightness lately up around my neck and shoulder area.

 

If I am not noticeably better with acupuncture I'll be looking for additional remedies 

 

Thank you and thank everyone that's participated in this thread topic. Much appreciated!!

 

Sucks getting old

On 10/11/2025 at 8:55 PM, 3NUMBAS said:

A friend has back pain and it’s his kidneys 

 

I've had a blood urine workup within six months. It's was ok. I've really cut back on alcohol and processed meat.

 

Few years back I was 15 to 20 drinks per week. Cut that a long time ago to half. Past year plus is 5 to 10 half that is usually if I go out and have 4 or 5 at one go

 

I've have heard this link and appreciate pointing it out but nothing else points to kidneys imo. I'm pretty healthy aside from this. Most people would take me for ten+ years younger. 

41 minutes ago, trevor67 said:

I have the same issue (in Pattaya)...would be interested in what core exercises you have been trying...(videos?) Thanks.

 

I don't do the deadbug which ironically seems best. 

 

I'm going to add it back in plus I think bird dog is very good and will add back in. I often skip superman's and going to substitute swimmers. 

 

Reverse crunches are tough on my lower back. Murder really. So I use a pillow. I usually can only get to 45 unless I break it up.

 

I also do Kegels and glute bridge. In between the Kegels I do leg lifts and hold 1 minute. 

 

I'm going to drop glute bridge and go back to one leg glute lift. 

 

Also... I can't do proper crunches due to pelvic pain so I just lift my upper and hold. 30 second 3x

 

Serious walking 1 hour daily and then additional walking through the day. Total usually 7k to 16k steps 

 

Hope this helps 

27 minutes ago, Rimmer said:

 

Not same! 

Acupuncture blocks the pain receptors.  Ultra sound heals the damaged tissue from within.

 

Ultra sound is NOT Micro tens which is similar to acupuncture 

Some clarification;

Acupuncture - NHS https://share.google/AovZnstAmcejhIAnM

I checked the menu. She's just traditional acupuncturist, Chinese medicine doctor.  She does offer what appears to be tens. 

 

Any love or hate for cupping?

 

 

* She seems best and closest and best value, but I'll look for ultrasound 

1 hour ago, Rimmer said:

 

Not same! 

Acupuncture blocks the pain receptors.  Ultra sound heals the damaged tissue from within.

 

Ultra sound is NOT Micro tens which is similar to acupuncture 

 

This place is close to me. They have lots of fancy equipment but the website looks a bit scammy to me.

 

https://flexwellnessclinic.com/

 

They are super aggressive on Line. I'm concerned I go in for 800 and it's 8000.

 

See information below 

 

The acupuncturist said she has electric stimulation. Also cannot be used if there is some sort of metal in the body. I have had two dental implants. I guess this is not an option assuming it even works. 

 

 

Below more supporting info for the physio therapy.

 

Radial ultrasound 790b.

 

Sorry the screen shot sucks for some reason. deleted. Added another 

 

 

Disregard above and the questions. Dicey. Focus shockwave+ ultrasound radial and a bit of hot pad and slap and tickle. 3000b

 

I would rather try Sheryl's recommendation. 

The first picture showing the treatment you will get and the price of B790 is totally in order with the treatment and what I have paid for trapped piraformis. (B800 for a one hour session twice a week)

 

As this can be and is often a recurring problem, also twice a week for several weeks until it is fixed is expensive so I bought my own ultra sound from Lazada 

 

I have no experience of focus shockwave

On 10/13/2025 at 11:52 AM, KhaoHom said:

 

I don't do the deadbug which ironically seems best. 

 

I'm going to add it back in plus I think bird dog is very good and will add back in. I often skip superman's and going to substitute swimmers. 

 

Reverse crunches are tough on my lower back. Murder really. So I use a pillow. I usually can only get to 45 unless I break it up.

 

I also do Kegels and glute bridge. In between the Kegels I do leg lifts and hold 1 minute. 

 

I'm going to drop glute bridge and go back to one leg glute lift. 

 

Also... I can't do proper crunches due to pelvic pain so I just lift my upper and hold. 30 second 3x

 

Serious walking 1 hour daily and then additional walking through the day. Total usually 7k to 16k steps 

 

Hope this helps 

 

Thanks for all the info....keep us posted on the progress....interested to hear how the acupuncture works out.

On 10/13/2025 at 11:23 AM, sungod said:

I've used these guys several times with great results

 

https://www.facebook.com/motionwellnesspattaya/?locale=th_TH

Thank you, any acupuncturist recommendations for Pattaya?

Shockwave Therapy is very effective.

 

I had a 'bad back' about 2 months ago, saw an Orthopaedic Dr, Xray  etc, then referred to physio.

 

Prior to the treatment, the pain was horrible.

 

Initially had 20 minutes of Tens, then 30 minutes of Shockwave.

 

Four weeks later, everything is good again. We'll, as good as I can be at 69.

 

EMS Shockwave.

 

2 minutes ago, Bacon1 said:

Shockwave Therapy is very effective.

 

I had a 'bad back' about 2 months ago, saw an Orthopaedic Dr, Xray  etc, then referred to physio.

 

Prior to the treatment, the pain was horrible.

 

Initially had 20 minutes of Tens, then 30 minutes of Shockwave.

 

Four weeks later, everything is good again. We'll, as good as I can be at 69.

 

EMS Shockwave.

 

 

Thanks. Appreciated. 1+ for confidence in these gadgets 

 

Where is/was your pain?

 

Did you feel reborn and fixed or just more subtle?

 

How much was it? I'm being asked for I don't recall exactly 2400, 3000b per treatment. 

 

The ultrasound 790b

 

As a one off it's fine, but I'm my back isn't at a place to spend 12k thb pm on this stuff.

 

I contacted the place above I posted and found them very sales aggressive. I then contacted Sheryl's link seems even more expensive (farang place on Sukhumvit). 

 

The one I posted also including stuff like hot packs, rehab workout plan some other stuff I see little value in. The pics (marketing) lots of young people I don't believe look professional. 

 

I'd be surprised if there were physicians overseeing anything in these places.

 

But mostly, been put off by the aggressive sales push and leading questions. 

 

Going old school. Tomorrow... Acupuncture and cupping b1000 - 30 min walk from my condo. 

 

I'll definitely rethink the gadgets 

 

I also contacted spine Dr wife was given line but cancelled as he's on the other side of the river and hrs inconvenient. I'm pretty convinced it's not my spine outside some neck strain pain

39 minutes ago, trevor67 said:

Thank you, any acupuncturist recommendations for Pattaya?

Sorry, I have no experience of that. 

 

I can tell you though that at the place I quoted, they have a guy who can give you something between chiropractor/ massage/mobilistaion  which is outstanding, 

Pain was in lumbar region &  I went to a government hospital.

 

I also had 20 minutes of traction each session- forgot to mention that.

 

So, 4 weeks of 30 mins shockwave & 20 traction was 1500 per week.

 

Well worth it & the problem is fixed.

 

I wouldn't hesitate to have Shockwave again.

i take etoricoxib and it helps against chronical inflammation, but i got medulla affected nerv channel from damaged discs so nothing short of surgery will fix it,

but the doctors deny the MRI