Trigger point acupuncture or Myofascial trigger point therapy is a specialized technique in Acupuncture that is primarily used for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. This technique may be a little more intense than a regular acupuncture treatment as it requires direct stimulation of the injured and tightened muscles. Once stimulated, it may produce a fasciculation or twitch in the muscle as the muscle releases it tension and in a sense “resets” the muscle tone. It is not uncommon that after a session, the muscles that were triggered become sore, just as it would after an intense workout. Make sure to drink plenty of water and stay warm after the treatment. No workout for a day or two after the session. Once the soreness wears off, the normal muscle tone will be restored. It may take a few sessions for the restored state to take hold depending on how long ago it was injured. This technique can also be used for muscle atrophy due to neurological conditions.
There are many other specialists that perform this type of work. Most of them refer to this technique as Dry Needling but make sure they have adequate training and are licensed to practice acupuncture. We recommend seeking out acupuncturists with a background in sports medicine or orthopedics to do a full body assessment including range of motion, strength and gait before and throughout the course of treatment to keep track of the progress.
