Myofascial trigger points are hyper-irritable spots in the fascia surrounding skeletal muscle and are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers. Pain frequently radiates from these points of local tenderness to broader areas, sometimes distant from the trigger point itself—also known as referred pain. Over time, reliable referred pain patterns have been identified, which associate pain in one location with trigger points elsewhere.
Acupuncture is an effective way to release trigger points and relieve their associated pain patterns. In acute and less severe conditions, resolution of symptoms can be almost immediate. In more chronic or severe cases, a series of treatments may be needed to return the muscle to its healthy physiological state and eliminate the pain pattern. In most situations, trigger point acupuncture with create some soreness in the targeted muscle that will feel like a post-workout soreness. This lasts for approximately 24 hours, after which there is usually a significant decrease in symptomatic pain. It is a fast, safe, and effective treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions.