Myofascial Trigger Points: Pathophysiology and Correlation with Acupuncture Points

Hong, Chang‐Zern

doi:10.1136/aim.18.1.41

Cited by 97 publications

(72 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…Since there is scientifi c evidence supporting a link between electrical stimulation of acupuncture points and the release of endorphins, these researchers also theorised that electro-acupuncture could activate the body's pain relief system, increasing the concentration of endorphins in the central nervous system and decreasing the amount of pain signals that arrive at the spinal cord level. (30,31) The present study was not without limitations. As a single author performed this review, the possibility of bias in study selection and appraisal, which could have impacted its results, cannot be disregarded.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How effective is acupuncture for reducing pain due to plantar fasciitis?

Thiagarajah¹

2017

smedj

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INTRODUCTION Plantar fasciitis is a commonly seen outpatient condition that has numerous treatment modalities of varying degrees of effi cacy. This systematic review aimed to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing pain caused by plantar fasciitis. METHODSOnline literature searches were performed on the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases for studies on the use of acupuncture for pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Studies designed as randomised controlled trials and that compared acupuncture with standard treatments or had real versus sham acupuncture arms were selected. The Delphi list was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies retrieved.RESULTS Three studies that compared acupuncture with standard treatment and one study on real versus sham acupuncture were found. These showed that acupuncture signifi cantly reduced pain levels in patients with plantar fasciitis, as measured on the visual analogue scale and the Plantar Fasciitis Pain/Disability Scale. These benefi ts were noted between four and eight weeks of treatment, with no further signifi cant reduction in pain beyond this duration. Side effects were found to be minimal. CONCLUSIONAlthough acupuncture may reduce plantar fasciitis pain in the short term, there is insuffi cient evidence for a defi nitive conclusion regarding its effectiveness in the longer term. Further research is required to strengthen the acceptance of acupuncture among healthcare providers.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How effective is acupuncture for reducing pain due to plantar fasciitis?

Thiagarajah¹

2017

smedj

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“…Hong, Audette and Blinder suggested that acupuncturists may well be treating trigger points whenever they are treating ahshi points. 270,271 While some believe that trigger points are nearly always acupuncture points especially in pain management, [272][273][274][275] well-known acupuncturist…”

Section: Dry Needling and Acupuncturementioning

confidence: 99%

Dry needling — peripheral and central considerations

Dommerholt¹

2011

Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy

229

140

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Dry needling is a common treatment technique in orthopedic manual physical therapy. Although various dry needling approaches exist, the more common and best supported approach targets myofascial trigger points. This article aims to place trigger point dry needling within the context of pain sciences. From a pain science perspective, trigger points are constant sources of peripheral nociceptive input leading to peripheral and central sensitization. Dry needling cannot only reverse some aspects of central sensitization, it reduces local and referred pain, improves range of motion and muscle activation pattern, and alters the chemical environment of trigger points. Trigger point dry needling should be based on a thorough understanding of the scientific background of trigger points, the differences and similarities between active and latent trigger points, motor adaptation, and central sensitize application. Several outcome studies are included, as well as comments on dry needling and acupuncture.

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“…15 The acupuncture or dry needling of a myofascial trigger point appears to provide immediate relief of pain. It is obvious that a trigger point is different from a tender point or some acupuncture points.…”

Section: Figure 3 Effect Of Acupuncture On Chronic Low Back Pain By Vmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Trigger Point Acupuncture on Chronic Low Back Pain in Elderly Patients – a Sham-Controlled Randomised Trial

Itoh¹,

Katsumi²,

Hirota³

et al. 2006

Acupunct Med

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Introduction There is some evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture, but it remains unclear whether trigger point acupuncture is effective. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of trigger point acupuncture on pain and quality of life in chronic low back pain patients compared with sham acupuncture. Methods Twenty-six consecutive out-patients (17 women, 9 men; age range: 65-91 years) from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Meiji University of Oriental Medicine, with non-radiating low back pain for at least six months and normal neurological examination, were randomised to two groups. Each group received one phase of trigger point acupuncture and one of sham acupuncture with a three week washout period between them, over 12 weeks. Group A (n=13) received trigger point acupuncture in the first phase and sham acupuncture in the second. Group B (n=13) received the same interventions in the reverse order. Outcome measures were pain intensity (visual analogue scale, VAS) and Roland Morris Questionnaire. Results Nineteen patients were included in the analysis. At the end of the first treatment phase, group A receiving trigger point acupuncture scored significantly lower VAS (P<0.001) and Roland Morris Questionnaire scores (P<0.01) than the sham control group. There were significant within-group reductions in pain in both groups during the trigger point acupuncture phase but not in the sham treatment phase. However, the beneficial effects were not sustained. Conclusion These results suggest that trigger point acupuncture may have greater short term effects on low back pain in elderly patients than sham acupuncture.

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Myofascial Trigger Points: Pathophysiology and Correlation with Acupuncture Points

Cited by 97 publications

References 52 publications

How effective is acupuncture for reducing pain due to plantar fasciitis?

How effective is acupuncture for reducing pain due to plantar fasciitis?

Dry needling — peripheral and central considerations

Effects of Trigger Point Acupuncture on Chronic Low Back Pain in Elderly Patients – a Sham-Controlled Randomised Trial

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