Epsom salt is often associated with warm baths, tired muscles, and that sense of relief you want after a long day. But researchers have also explored the compound behind epsom salt—magnesium sulfate—to see whether it may help with muscle pain in a more targeted clinical setting.
One study, titled “Effect of magnesium sulfate iontophoresis on myofascial trigger points in the upper fibres of the trapezius,” looked at whether magnesium sulfate could reduce pain and improve movement in people with trigger points in the neck and shoulder area.
Why Trigger Points In The Trapezius Matter
Trigger points—often called muscle knots are tight, sensitive spots in muscle tissue that can cause pain, stiffness, tenderness, headaches, and reduced mobility. The upper trapezius, which runs through the neck and shoulders, is especially prone to them because it stays active during posture, lifting, reaching, and everyday movement.
That’s one reason this area gets so much attention in pain research. Trigger points in the upper trapezius can make simple daily activities feel a lot more uncomfortable than they should.
What The Study Looked At
In this clinical trial, researchers used iontophoresis, a treatment that uses a mild electrical current to help deliver magnesium sulfate through the skin. The idea was to target the affected area directly rather than rely on oral supplements or broader systemic effects.
The study included 60 participants between the ages of 19 and 24 who had active trigger points in the dominant upper trapezius. They were divided into two groups.
One group received iontophoresis with magnesium sulfate, and a controlled group was involved too—they received the same electrical treatment, but with distilled water instead.
Both groups were treated twice per week for four weeks. Researchers measured pain intensity, sensitivity to pressure, neck range of motion, and how much the discomfort affected daily function.
What The Results Suggest
Both groups showed some improvement over time, but the magnesium sulfate group improved significantly more.
Pain levels dropped sharply, with participants in the magnesium sulfate group reporting about a 50% decrease after the first session and more than 85% improvement after four weeks. They also showed reduced trigger point sensitivity, better neck mobility, and better function in everyday activities.
Researchers believe magnesium may help by supporting muscle relaxation, calming nerve excitability, and possibly improving circulation in tense tissue.
That said, more study is needed to prove the point. This was a relatively small study with a narrow age range, so the findings are promising—but not final.
What This Means For Epsom Salt Baths
It’s important to note that this study used clinic-based iontophoresis, not a regular epsom salt bath. So the results don’t prove that an epsom salt bath benefits neck and shoulder discomfort in the same way.
Still, the findings show why magnesium sulfate continues to draw interest in pain-relief research. And for many people, epsom salt baths remain a simple, soothing way to relax tired muscles and unwind at home.
If you’re ready to turn that into a self-care ritual, explore our collection of ready-to-use epsom salt blends and find your next favorite soak. Click here to shop today.
