In the last blog, we discussed the first model (The Radiculopathy Model) that helps explain why Dry Needling works. Now we will continue with the second of four models. This one is probably the most well-known one and there is a plethora of medical literature supporting it. Again, we will try to explain any concepts that are a little difficult to understand. These models really shed light into how our bodies work and they are great to learn about.
The Trigger Point Model
Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs, or TrPs for Trigger Points) are defined as ‘hyper-irritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band’ (Travell and Simons). The resultant pain/discomfort that one gets due to such points is referred to as myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Simply put, MPS is defined as ‘sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms caused by myofascial trigger points’ (Travell and Simons). Sensory symptoms refer to what you feel, motor symptoms refer to how the muscles work, and autonomic symptoms refer to the things that you do not realize. This seems a little odd, but consider what happens when you bang your arm really hard. You will feel the pain (sensory), the muscle might be painful and not contract properly (motor), and your heart rate goes up as does your respiration due to the ‘adrenaline rush’ (autonomic) of the injury. Continue Reading →
