Acupuncture is very good at treating disorders of the musculo-skeletal system and approximately 50% of our work as acupuncturists falls into this category.

Many people visit their G.P. for muscle-related problems. Usually painkillers and anti-inflammatories are prescribed, and sometimes the muscular pain will clear up spontaneously with the help of these medications. On other occasions the medication will give temporary relief, but the pain returns as the effects of the medication wears off. In particularly bad cases the medication may not have any effect in reducing pain.

No one knows for sure exactly how acupuncture works in the treatment of muscular pain. Many theoretical models have been proposed and I am sure that all of them hold part of the story. One of the problems in discussing the theoretical basis of acupuncture is that there are many different acupuncture techniques and they are all capable of achieving the desired affect.

Fairly recently, two senior consultant anaesthetists from the States (Travell &Simons), coined the phase 'trigger points' to particular points in taut muscle bands which, when needled could cause an immediate release in the muscle… and instant pain relief. These points are found by feeling for taut muscle bands in the problematic muscle and then needling the most tender point. These trigger points can often be felt as nodules in the muscle fibres, as the diagram illustrates.

The work of Travell and Simons was pioneering, although when these points were mapped out, they often corresponded to Traditional Acupuncture points. This work showed a clear overlap between modern research & clinical findings, and the ancient Traditional Chinese Acupuncture points & channels.

'Trigger points' certainly account for some muscular pain, but not all. Recently I treated a patient who had damaged his back lifting some rocks and had to return to work in two days time. This was an acute injury and when I palpate his lower back I found a deep muscle that felt ropey and had very tender points. When the muscle was treated, it ‘twitched’ and his pain disappeared immediately and he returned to work. Unfortunately not all backs respond in this way. In this case he was a young, fit man with a very recent injury and the problem was isolated to one deep gluteal muscle.

As a rule, rather than the exception, most people come to have acupuncture treatment several weeks or months after their problem began. Often people wait and hope that their pain will go away before seeking treatment. When the injury becomes chronic then many more muscles are affected. There is often a gradual stiffening and reduction in movement. Often this isn't problematic until it affects everyday activities or when the person can no longer adapt to the injury. In these cases, treatment is going to be gradual and may take weeks or even months. I do however aim for an improvement after every session and as long as the patient can feel this, then I find that the number of treatments needed for recovery is not so much a concern.

Please look at the sub-headings under this category for particular conditions.