Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy is a method of treating painful muscle spasm and the associated inflammation within the muscle. It has been estimated that in excess of 50% of all chronic pain is caused by trigger point activity within our muscles.

A trigger point can be thought of as a localised area of inflammation within our muscles. This inflammation can occur due to injury or trauma, repetitive strain, nutritional deficiencies and even long term psycho-emotional disturbances.

As inflammation occurs within the body, our brain attempts to localize the inflammation by creating muscle spasm that effectively creates a splinting affect of the muscle. Movement is restricted and pain ensues.

Circulation is impeded and inflammatory bi products create further inflammation in the already inflamed muscle bands. This creates increased muscle spasm and so the viscous cycle continues.

Unfortunately in the case of chronic pain and dysfunction, these trigger points essentially become a “normal” part of our physical landscape. The nervous system doe not attempt to heal them, as it doesn’t recognize these areas as needing healing.

By inserting acupuncture needles directly into these trigger points we create a small trauma in the affected area. This signals the nervous system to begin healing. As healing begins to occur at the site of the fresh injury (the trigger point area just needled) not only does the new injury begin to be healed but the older chronic condition also begins to be healed.

In this way we are stimulating a natural healing response within the body. There is no need to inject anything into the inflamed area. We simply stimulate a natural healing response within the spasmed, inflamed area.   

Post treatment, nutrients are often prescribed to help with increased healing rate and lessening of any post treatment soreness which is often, associated with this form of treatment.

Additionally, selected specific exercises are prescribed where appropriate to aid in the re-educating the nervous system and the muscles involved  to help eliminate any re-occurrence of the presenting problem.

Treatment usually consists of 2 – 4 sessions over a 4-8 week period (depending on  the treatment response). Supplemental exercise and nutrients are usually maintained for a short while after the conclusion of treatment.

Most people experience significant relief (50-75% improvement) after the first session.  

A typical treatment session comprises of an assessment followed by massage of the affected and surrounding area.

This is then followed by the actual trigger point needling, which is then followed by gentle mobilizing and stretching of the affected area. If time permits heat is applied to the treated area, or is prescribed to be used as soon as possible after treatment.

The question that everyone wants answered where acupuncture is concerned is “Does it hurt”?  Yes and no. This is a much “stronger” form of acupuncture than traditional acupuncture. However almost everyone I have treated comments that it is a “good sore” rather than a “bad sore”. It is what the body is needing and while it can be uncomfortable for some people, it usually doesn’t get beyond a “comfortably uncomfortable” feeling.

The next day there can be some residual soreness that usually is totally gone within 24 - 48 hours. This is aided by use of heat and nutrients post treatment.

After 24-48 hours most people will comment that the treatment pain is gone and much to their surprise and delight often a large part, if not all, of their presenting pain is also gone.

As a stand alone therapy, trigger point needling is remarkably effective, and often so in cases where nothing else has seemed to work. If you find that certain treatments have worked for you in the past but no longer seem to deliver the same degree of help, it is almost certain that there will be trigger point activity involved.

Once these trigger points have been resolved, people typically comment on how the other treatment programs they had been using start to work again. As   part of a broad approach to treatment that will often include nutritional and lifestyle changes as well as corrective exercise therapy, trigger point needling can really make the difference between simply managing your pain and the complete resolution, not only of it, but the underlying patterns within the body and nervous system that have helped create and keep the problem in place.