By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 6, 2025 · 5 min read Watch the Full Video Myofascial pain syndrome and trigger points are among the most common causes of chronic musculoskeletal pain, affecting an estimated 85% of patients who visit chronic pain clinics. Despite how widespread this condition is, effective treatment remains a challenge for many patients and clinicians alike. Traditional management typically involves soft tissue modalities such as massage, acupunctur

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 5, 2026 · 7 min read Watch the Full Video Muscle pain is one of the most overlooked contributors to knee osteoarthritis symptoms. When patients visit their doctor for knee pain, the evaluation typically focuses on the joint itself — the bones, cartilage, ligaments, and meniscus . But the muscles surrounding the knee are rarely examined, and research suggests they may be responsible for a substantial portion of the pain that patients

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy, and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have transformed the landscape of medical weight loss. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes management, these medications are now generating excitement for an entirely different reason: their potential role in treating arthritis . Emerging clinical evidence suggests that GLP-1 agonists may not only r

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 5, 2026 · 5 min read Watch the Full Video If you are struggling with back pain , one of the simplest and most effective treatments may already be in your home. Heat therapy — using heating pads, wraps, or portable heat patches — has been shown in clinical research to reduce pain and improve function more effectively than common over-the-counter painkillers. In my practice, I routinely recommend heat as a first-line approach for acute

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 04, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video Cupping therapy has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly after high-profile athletes like Michael Phelps appeared at the Olympics sporting those distinctive circular marks. But for patients dealing with chronic musculoskeletal pain, the real question isn't about celebrity endorsements — it's whether this ancient practice actually delivers measurable results. In this pos

Written by Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD — Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician Published: March 3, 2026 | Last Updated: March 3, 2026 Maintaining muscle mass and strength becomes increasingly difficult with every passing decade. In clinical practice, I see the consequences of age-related muscle loss — known as sarcopenia — on a regular basis. Sarcopenia is not merely a cosmetic concern. It is associated with higher rates of falls, loss of independence, difficulty performing dai

Written by Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD — Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician Published: March 3, 2026 | Last Updated: March 3, 2026 Creatine monohydrate is one of the most extensively studied and effective supplements in the health and fitness world. As a sports medicine physician, I have seen firsthand how powerful creatine can be — not just for young athletes, but also for weekend warriors, senior athletes, and anyone looking to lead a healthier lifestyle. What makes creati

Written by Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD — Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician Published: March 1, 2025 | Last Updated: March 1, 2025 Most people who struggle with joint pain are focused on the wrong things. They wait for the pain to go away on its own. They rest for weeks—sometimes months—hoping time will fix the problem. They stretch when they should be strengthening. And they treat the symptoms without ever addressing the underlying system. In my practice, I see these patter

Written by Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD — Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician Published: March 1, 2025 | Last Updated: March 1, 2025 Maintaining strength, mobility, and independence as you age is not only possible — it is well within reach for most people. Whether you are in your 60s, 70s, or beyond, the same foundational principles apply: move consistently, train with intention, and prioritize recovery. In my practice, I work with patients every day who are proving that age i

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD — Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician Last updated: February 28, 2026 Red light therapy has become one of the most talked-about recovery tools among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. From professional sports teams to home LED panels, the technology is everywhere — but does the science actually support the hype? As a sports medicine physician who has treated thousands of athletes in the San Francisco Bay Area, I get asked about