Trigger point acupuncture is a form of acupuncture where needles are inserted into "trigger points" on the body.

A trigger point is a tender area in a tight band of muscle or tendon that has been strained or injured. Trigger points often develop as a consequence of acute or repetitive strain, musculo-skeletal imbalance or injury. A common example of a trigger point is the formation of tender areas in the layer of muscle at the temples which often occurs in a tension headache.

While traditional acupuncture is used for a range of conditions including musculo-skeletal conditions, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome and morning sickness, trigger point acupuncture is generally only used to treat musculo-skeletal conditions.

Early Trigger Point Research

Trigger points were identified in western countries at least as early as 1843 by Froriep who found them in muscle in conjunction with what he called ‘rheumatism’. Modern western research was pioneered in the 1940’s and 50’s. This research identified trigger points and showed trigger points could be treated in a number of ways: heat, cold spray, ultrasound, injection of local anaesthetic and finger pressure. Interestingly it was also discovered that placing a dry needle into a trigger point was often just as effective as injecting local anaesthetic; nowadays trigger points are frequently treated this way.

Is there a difference between Trigger Points and Acupuncture Points?

The evidence indicates that trigger points and acupuncture points are not quite the same, but that there is overlap between these two types of pressure points. Noteworthy here is that traditional acupuncture includes the concept of ‘ah shi’ (ouch!) points. These are points that can develop anywhere on the surface of the body, away from the traditional points, in response to injury.

What happens during treatment?

Trigger point acupuncture generally starts with a thorough examination of the body to identify the relevant trigger points for treatment. When trigger point acupuncture is done patients often experience twitching contractions as the tight muscle is being treated. The contractions often serve to bring the muscle out of its contracted state, allowing it to loosen and regain normal tone. This often allows a better range of motion and function and alleviates the associated pain.