Summary
Myofascial trigger points are a commonly overlooked cause of chronic neuromusculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Examination for trigger points requires good palpation skills and understanding of the common referral patterns of myofascial pain. The unique neurobiology of muscle pain and the concepts of peripheral and central sensitization provide new insights into the pathophysiology of myofascial pain. Acupuncture dry needling is an effective technique for treating myofascial pain particularly when local twitch responses are elicited. Uncovering the biochemical profile of active myofascial trigger points and determining the local biochemical effects of needle insertion may help elucidate mechanisms behind the initiation and amplification of myofascial pain and how dry needling works.
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Shah, J.P. (2008). Integrating Dry Needling with New Concepts of Myofascial Pain, Muscle Physiology, and Sensitization. In: Audette, J.F., Bailey, A. (eds) Integrative Pain Medicine. Contemporary Pain Medicine. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-344-8_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-344-8_5
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