Medical Acupuncture / Trigger Point Dry Needling

Trigger Point Dry Needling at Spine Plus

Trigger point dry needling (medical acupuncture) is a clinically proven technique for treating myofascial pain. At Spine Plus, it is delivered by our qualified osteopaths and physiotherapists as an integrated part of musculoskeletal treatment. All our therapists hold postgraduate qualifications in medical acupuncture, ensuring a high standard of safe, effective care.

What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are discrete, hyperirritatable nodules within taut bands of skeletal muscle. When compressed or needled, they produce both local tenderness and a characteristic pattern of referred pain. Common trigger point locations and their typical referred pain patterns include:

• Upper trapezius, referred pain to the head, neck and temple (tension headaches)
• Suboccipital muscles, referred pain over the skull and behind the eye
• Levator scapulae, referred pain at the neck angle and upper back
• Piriformis, referred pain down the buttock and leg, mimicking sciatica
• Iliopsoas, referred pain in the lower back and groin
• Thoracic paraspinals, referred pain around the ribs and chest

How Trigger Point Dry Needling Works

A fine acupuncture needle is inserted directly into the trigger point. This typically provokes a brief local twitch response, an involuntary contraction of the muscle fibre, which is associated with successful deactivation of the trigger point. The needling process:

• Promotes blood flow to the trigger point
• Reduces spontaneous electrical activity within the muscle
• Stimulates growth factor release to promote healing
• Interrupts pain signalling pathways
• Releases central sensitisation of the nervous system

Acupressure

For patients who prefer not to have needles, acupressure uses sustained manual pressure rather than needles to achieve a similar therapeutic effect. Our therapists are trained in both dry needling and acupressure, and will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your preferences and clinical presentation.

Conditions Treated

• Tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches
• Neck pain and restricted movement
• Shoulder pain and rotator cuff problems
• Lower back pain and muscle spasm
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
• Tennis and golfer’s elbow
• Hip and gluteal pain
• Rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery

What to Expect

Medical acupuncture is typically incorporated into a standard osteopathy or physiotherapy appointment. The needles are extremely fine and most patients report minimal discomfort. You may notice a brief aching or twitch response when a trigger point is engaged, followed by a significant release of tension. Sessions take 20 to 40 minutes and treatment is usually combined with manual therapy and rehabilitation advice.