HOW DO YOU RELEASE MUSCLES AND TRIGGER POINTS WITH ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture releases trigger points by finding the most tender and tight band of muscle and using an acupuncture needle to poke the muscle and get it to involuntarily contract. Releasing a trigger point gets the muscle out of the shortened state and usually, after a few contractions, it softens and remains in a more elongated and relaxed state. As an acupuncturist, Dr. Perry can feel the resistance at the needle soften as trigger points and muscles are being released. Some patients describe the feeling as “popping a tension bubble” or “melting away tightness and tension.”

Some trigger point conditions may resolve in one treatment while others may need five or more treatments for the muscle to reprogram itself. If it is a chronic condition and there are ongoing lifestyle factors that contribute to the issue it can take more time or reoccur if treatment is not frequent enough. There can be soreness in the muscle for up to 72 hours after trigger point release that feels like the muscle soreness after a workout.

It is recommended to apply warmth and engage in gentle movements in the days following trigger point release to help reduce soreness and promote blood circulation in the affected area. When a muscle is pain-free and unrestricted, it can move in its full range of motion will helps the body’s structural alignment.

Contact Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic 352-259-0024 for your trigger point release appointment

Monday, December 17, 2018

Reasons To Consider Dry Needling

Dry Needling or Myofascial trigger point dry needling, utilizes the same thin, small needles that acupuncture uses. By inserting the needles into the muscle tissue, tight or knotty tissue can be relaxed. We've had a lot of patients asking about this technique because their friends or therapists have told them they should try it. We wanted to shed some light on this technique and provide you with a little insight as to what dry needling is.

Muscle Relaxation

It is believed that inserting a needle into the muscle tissue can disrupt the electric flow and stop your muscles from tensing up. This allows them to release to their relaxed state and knotted or tight tissue will relax.

Increased Blood Flow

When the musles tighten, it decreases the blood flow in our bodies. By releasign the tension in the muscles, we can increase our blood flow. This causes the nutrients we all need to be healthy to be better distributed throughout.

Decreasing Pain and Releasing Neurotransmitters

Dry needling releases certain opiate peptides like endorphines, which block the transmission of pain siganls to the brain and spinal cord. This effect decreases the amount of pain you feel because your brain has stopped responding to those distress signals.

Treating Chronic Pain

You shouldn't have to live with pain. Dry needling is used for acute and chronic conditions. It can be useful for: plantar fasciitis, sciatica, back/neck pain, headaches and much more.