High Cholesterol? Muscle Pain? Is it medication related?
It all begins with an idea.
Statins are a type of medication used to lower cholesterol levels. The most commonly prescribed statins include Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Fluvastatin (Lescol), Lovastatin (Mevacor), Pitavastatin (Livalo), Pravastatin (Pravachol), Rosuvastatin (Crestor), and Simvastatin (Zocor). These prescription medications work by inhibiting the production of cholesterol in the liver and can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
There are two kinds of statins that are prescribed, these are lipophilic statins and hydrophilic statins.
Lipophilic statins passively diffuse into the muscle. This means this particular type of medication doesn’t require any help or energy from your body. These statins, including atorvastatin, simvastatin and fluvastatin, seem more likely to cause muscle aches. However, hydrophilic statins have to be actively transported by carrier proteins (which helps move the medication in and out of cells) to be effective and potentially may cause fewer muscle aches. Hydrophilic statins include rosuvastatin and pravastatin.
What causes muscle pain? Statins may lower the levels of coenzyme Q10, which you see as a supplement in stores by the name CoQ10. Coenzyme Q10 is important for muscle energy production. Statins could potentially affect proteins in muscle cells, which may impact muscle growth and function.
All medications have some side effects and statins are known to sometimes cause muscle pain. This is known as statin-associated muscle symptoms or (SAMS). Fortunately, not everyone experiences this side effect, but it is one of the most common complaints from people taking statins. In April of 2025, according to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 30% of people who take the cholesterol-lowering medication feel aches and soreness. The muscle pain related to statins can range from mild soreness and muscle fatigue to more severe cramping or weakness. Statin muscle pain locations often include the large muscles of your arms, shoulders, thighs or buttocks on both sides of your body. In some rare cases, statins can lead to a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscles break down rapidly, but this is not common.
If you experience muscle pain while taking statins, it's crucial to discuss it with your doctor.
Massage therapy isn't a direct treatment for high cholesterol and cannot totally reverse the side effects of statins, but it can be a beneficial part of managing muscle pain. It may also help to reduce stress and improve circulation. Stress can increase cholesterol levels, and massage can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Stress can elevate cortisol levels, which can indirectly impact cholesterol production. Massage can help lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation, potentially mitigating this effect. Additionally, massage, particularly lymphatic drainage massage, can improve circulation, which is important for overall cardiovascular health.
Disclaimer: It is important to note that the information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Any concerns about medication side effects or other medical issues should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Rob Zukowski, LMT, Medical Massage Practitioner
Citation: Cleveland Clinic. (2025, January 17). Why Statins Cause Muscle Pain. Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/statin-muscle-pain