About Trigger Point Acupuncture

Trigger Point Acupuncture (TPA) is the most notable aspect of Acupuncture Physical Medicine (APM) (http://www.tsca.edu/site/prospective/c/programs/acupuncture-physical-medicine/) developed over the past twenty-five years by Mark Seem, Ph.D., founder of Tri-State School of Acupuncture.

Trigger Point Acupuncture combines both classical Oriental medicine with modern dry needling of trigger points.

Trigger Point Definition:

A taught band of skeletal muscle that is tender to the touch and can refer pain to distant parts of the body. Patients may have regional, persistent pain resulting in a decreased range of motion in the affected muscles.

Also Known As: muscle spasm, muscle knots

Dry Needling Definition:

Insertion of a solid filiform needle (acupuncture needle) as opposed to a hollow needle for injection, also known as intramuscular stimulation, typically used for muscular pain.  Dry needling is a modern form of acupuncture and there is controversy over if it is acupuncture without the classical Oriental medicine theory.  For a more in depth discussion of dry needling visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_needling.

Because Trigger Point Acupuncture is a combination of both classical Oriental medicine with modern dry needling of trigger points it is the best of both worlds.

At AbsoluteQi, we like it for many reasons.  This style of acupuncture has clinically shown the best results for muscular problems, tendonitis, and sometimes internal problems because many internal problems can arrise from trigger points.  It also gives us a medical and modern way of talking to people about what we are doing, which is great for those that don’t really get or believe in the Oriental theory of Qi and balance in the body.

Sometimes, things aren’t always what they seem to be.  For example, a migraine headache may not be a migraine headache.  It can be trigger point in the upper back referring pain to the eye and can easily be treated with TPA.  Other examples are sciatica, digestive problems, urinary problems and painful menstrual cramps.

This is what trigger points do, they refer pain and symptoms away from the problem and sometimes the referred pain can seem like something very serious, even heart palpitations can be a result of trigger points.  So, if you have seen doctors and have been given a clean bill of health, it is likely that you are suffering from trigger points and Trigger Point Acupuncture can resolve your health problems.