Read the NIH’s historical review of trigger points in medicine: Their model has proven to be extraordinarily useful to both clinicians and those suffering with pain by helping to identify the active MTrP. Their keen observational skills were also used to record natural history and treatment response as a way of further understanding mechanisms. They consistently applied a descriptive approach and used the physical findings of painful nodules in taut muscle bands, along with the nature and distribution of pain, to establish the diagnosis. Travell and Simons methodically developed a working model based primarily on muscle anatomy and function, which evolved over years of observation and empirical testing. Travell looked to find myofascial constrictions at the root of each patient’s pain and dysfunction. In developing her trigger point approach, Dr. and summarized in her quintessential text “Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction” (1983).
Our current model for the diagnosis and treatment of “trigger points” and pain referral patterns was developed by Janet Travell, M.D. They generally have a referred pain pattern that is not felt at the site origin, but remote from it. Trigger points are said to be “active” when they cause pain at rest and are tender on palpation with a referred pain pattern. These problematic muscle fibers can also cause motor dysfunction, which generally means there will be a loss in function or a decrease in range of motion (ROM). These trigger points are painful when compressed and can produce a telltale “referred pain pattern”. Trigger points are defined as specific, localized, “hyper-irritable” areas found in tight bands of muscle.
Janet Travell where myofacial pain patterns are recognized and treated with manual techniques, including dry needling.ĭry needling is an effective treatment for a variety of muscle/nerve issues including: The diagnosis system used in dry needling is based on the work of Dr.
Dry needling different from traditional acupuncture treatment based on the differences in diagnosis and treatment methods. Other terms commonly used to describe dry needling include: trigger point dry needling, and intramuscular manual therapy.
This technique uses a “dry” needle, meaning a filiform needle, not a hypodermic needle, inserted through the skin into taught bands of muscle tissue. Dry needling is a technique manual therapists (including acupuncturists) use for the treatment of muscular pain and restricted range of movement.