Trigger Point Therapy in Norwich, Norfolk

What is a Trigger Point?

A trigger point is a knot in a dysfunctional band of muscle tissue that spasms and shortens the normal function of the muscle. Trigger points are formed through dehydration, stress, poor posture, sports injuries, and repetitive motions. These spasmed muscles cause local nerve cell bundles (known as nerve ganglion) to send pain signals called nociceptors to the spinal cord and brain. These, in turn, inhibit muscle function and cause a lack of blood and oxygen flow to the affected tissue. This nervous system response locks the muscle into a detrimental cycle that is difficult to change. These troublesome areas spread pain to other parts of the body, and may create physiological dysfunctions such as severe headaches and digestive problems.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy focuses on detecting and releasing taut or contracted muscles. By treating these points, we are able to stop pain from referring to other parts of the body. It encourages blood and oxygen to the area which speeds up the healing process and enables proper muscle function.

Trigger point therapy is often described as Dry Needling. This involves the insertion of an acupuncture needle into the knotted area of the muscle with a gentle manipulation which encourages the muscle to relax and release. This often causes a fasciculation, otherwise known as the twitch response. This response is a sudden contraction and a release of the affected muscle, re-establishing communication between the muscle and brain and causing the tissue to return to its proper resting length.

Who Could Benefit?

Some of the conditions that may benefit from trigger point therapy include:

An experienced practitioner can treat any location on the body utilizing Trigger Point Therapy with great success.

Trigger Point Therapy: Different from Traditional Acupuncture

Dry needling is a common form of trigger point therapy in which a needle is inserted into the trigger points. Dry needling is specific to musculoskeletal problems, whereas traditional acupuncture is used to stimulate specific points along energetic pathways of the body to establish proper homeostasis and calm the nervous system. Acupuncture can also treat a wide range of health conditions, while trigger point therapy is a very localized treatment.

The Benefit of Trigger Point Therapy

Most patients respond immediately to dry needling and feel instant relief as pain signals are reset and spasmed muscle relaxes. Releasing these contracted tissues allows for an immediate increase in range of motion. You can expect to be slightly sore or stiff for 1-2 days after treatment due to a stretch response in the muscle after treatment. Since trigger points are often located under deep layers of muscle, it can take several sessions to regain full functionality of the muscles. Whether you are having acute or chronic pain hindering your mobility, dry needling is an effective approach to help you get back in the game. It is our preferred method of treating most muscle issues.

Treatment: What’s Involved?

The therapy includes the use of a mineral infrared ray heat lamp, which improves micro circulation and diminishes inflammation through a curing plate that emits spectrum electromagnetic waves alongside the acupuncture needles. 

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