Trigger point acupuncture

Synonyms

medical: myofascial trigger point
English: trigger = trigger (originally a revolver)

definition

Trigger points are thickened, painful, and tender muscle fibersin which there are inflammatory reactions with far-reaching consequences. The pain can radiate deep into the body and, for example, cause neck tension a headache to lead.

introduction

The Trigger point acupuncture is a special form of acupuncturethat deals with the points from which the pain originates. Often such trigger points agree with the classic Acupuncture points match.

history

Dem American researcher Jay Shah succeeded in demonstrating the inflammatory reaction. In July 2005 he published his research results in Japanese Journal of Applied Physiology. He showed that certain neuropeptides are increased in such zones and that the area becomes over-acidic due to a drop in pH. The inflammatory substances in the Muscle trigger tissue not only make the pain pathways in the muscle hypersensitive so that they respond to normal stimuli such as muscle work or pressure, they also change the behavior of the muscles Pain pathwaysthat usually go unnoticed. Consequences are additional pain information to that brain and a wrong allocation of the pain to a healthy area. So can a Tension of the gluteal muscles as calf pain express.

causes

The causes the emergence of the trigger points are varied, such as Strains, Bruises, impact injuries, overexertion, bruises, stress, psychosomatic tension, poor posture, drafts and wet and cold weather. Due to the cramping of the muscle parts, the blood supply to the muscles concerned is reduced and the blockage is further intensified. A vicious circle takes its course.

Symptoms

The Trigger points (trigger point acupuncture) shorten Muscles and Tendons. As a result, unnatural tensile forces act on connected joints or whirl a. This dynamic creates a locking mechanism and leads to loss of strength, pain or numbness and restricted mobility in the affected area of ​​the body. The more trigger points there are in a muscle, the higher the risk for one myofascial pain syndrome. This includes acute or chronic muscle pain, shortening of the muscles and the muscular membranes (fascia), loss of strength and restricted mobility. Trigger points that are next to the Spine and about the Nerve roots can impair organ functions through pressure on nerve roots. This means, for example: Cardiac symptoms, Shortness of breath, Digestive and elimination problems arise. Trigger points with high cramp intensity can affect the balance of the autonomic nervous system to disturb. This can be too Stress and Anxiety Symptoms or increased blood pressure (high blood pressure) to lead.

diagnosis

To the Finding the points come Goniometer for use. These measure the mobility of the Spine and the Body joints, because triggers shorten the muscles and limit the mobility of the joints. The diagnosis is also carried out Touch (Palpation), because in contrast to classic acupuncture points, which have anatomical proportions and Meridian path are defined, trigger points must always be felt on the basis of the individual blockage.

therapy

Trigger points and their accompanying symptoms can be used successfully even after years acupuncture (Trigger point acupuncture) to treat. Trigger point acupuncture is mainly used for painful conditions in the muscles, tendons and joints, for example in Neck and back tension, such as Spinal discomfort (Spine pain) express.
Since the Trigger point acupuncture Treating tissue that has already been attacked must be particularly gentle and even Needle technique (Acupuncture technique) can be applied. The needle tip should be placed in the center of the blockage. Here it can weaken the tension from the inside and set an opening mechanism in motion. These include the Normalization of the blood, oxygen and nutrient supply inside the trigger point. The hardening of the tissue is dissolved, the trigger point disappears and with it the pressure on neighboring nerves, blood and lymph vessels. A muscle twitch may occur after placing the needle in the painful area. Likewise, a sore muscles-like feeling can occur in the affected area after the treatment.
The Trigger point acupuncture counteracts the shortening of the muscle and its tendon, reduces the tension on the joints and eliminates the problems caused by it, such as Numbness, loss of strength, reduced mobility and pain on. The natural strength of the joints, muscles and tendons is regained.
The average duration of treatment is approx. 60 min. The needles remain in the skin for about 20-30 minutes. In acute cases, 1-5 sessions are sufficient, for chronic problems 3-12 sessions are usually necessary.