Releasing Trigger Points in Muscles

Trigger Point Therapy with Acupuncture aims to resolve trigger points within the muscle. A trigger point is a small patch of tightly contracted muscle tissue within the larger muscle, which can reduce blood flow and range of motion. This is widely known as a muscle knot, which can be painful as it becomes less likely to fully relax on its own.

Because our muscles comprise thousands of tiny fibers, these knots can occur in multiple places. The entire muscle cannot expand and contract normally as trigger points develop.

How does Trigger Point Therapy with Acupuncture work?

Releasing trigger points with the use of acupuncture promotes a natural healing response. By accessing nerves within the muscle, contractions of the muscle trigger a reaction from the body. The process encourages the release of histamines, relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow into the area, which allows the affected tissues to recover more effectively. As the muscle fibers begin to relax, the pain associated with the tightness starts to fade.

Overused muscles continuously contract and, as a result, become shorter, which can become a chronic condition over time. Therefore, getting the muscle to release is highly beneficial by reducing the strain on tendons and joints, which also positively impacts repetitive injuries like tendonitis. Dr. Ragsdale has developed specialized treatment, helping patients resolve trigger points.

How do you find trigger points in the muscle?

According to the National Institute of Health and the National Center for Biotechnology Information, physical examination is the best detection method and “gold standard” (Shah, Thaker, Heimur, Aredo, Sikdar, & Gerber, 2015, p. 17). The process requires palpation (feeling the area), identifying a stiff band of muscle fibers and nodules within the band, and the ability to reproduce your pain with subtle yet sustained pressure.

Are Trigger Points common?

Yes, they may point to many severe and unexplained aches and pains. Myofascial pain syndrome is prevalent and can be identified by a sore spot. As micro-cramps, these sore spots are interpreted as cramps and spasms, which can continue to occur around the exact injury location as the pain worsens. As a result, these trigger points may be a significant factor in assessing neck pain and back pain as a “cause, a complication, or a bit of both” Ingraham (2020).

Schedule your Trigger Point Therapy with Acupuncture consultation by clicking here.

Ingraham, P. (2020, March 11). The Complete Guide to Trigger Points & Myofascial Pain. Retrieved from https://www.painscience.com/tutorials/trigger-points.php

Shah, J. P., Thaker, N., Heimur, J., Aredo, J. V., Sikdar, S., & Gerber, L. (2015, July). Myofascial Trigger Points Then and Now: A Historical and Scientific Perspective. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4508225/

License

California Licensed Acupuncturist: AC13696

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine: 123900

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