Dry Needling Treatments by Symptom
Are you struggling with persistent pain and discomfort that doesn't seem to respond to conventional treatments? It might be time to explore the world of trigger points and dry needling. In the seminal work by Travell and Simons, the intricate map of our body's trigger points and their associated symptoms are meticulously detailed, offering a comprehensive guide for both practitioners and patients seeking relief.
In this post, we delve into the full categorization of symptoms related to trigger points as outlined in Travell and Simons' text, sorted by area of the body and symptom for ease of reference. From the nagging pain in your low back to the deceptive discomfort mimicking carpal tunnel syndrome, we break down the primary and secondary trigger points responsible for a spectrum of symptoms across different body parts.
Each section, organized by body area and symptom, aims to shed light on the potential culprits behind your pain. For instance, forearm and hand pain can often be traced back to trigger points in the biceps brachii or brachialis muscles. Similarly, carpal tunnel-like pain in the wrist area might not always be what it seems; instead, it could be rooted in trigger points located in the subscapularis muscle.
By understanding the specific trigger points associated with various symptoms, patients and therapists alike can target their treatment more effectively, using dry needling as a powerful tool in the battle against acute and chronic pain.
Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking to deepen your understanding of myofascial pain syndromes or someone on a quest for relief from seemingly unexplained symptoms, this post aims to provide valuable insights into how dry needling of trigger points by symptoms can offer a new avenue for alleviating discomfort and enhancing quality of life.
Dry needling treatment
Dry Needling for Forearm & Hand Pain
Antecubital Pain
Biceps Brachii
Brachialis
Carpal Tunnel-like Pain in Wrist (watchband area)
Subscapularis
Dorsal Finger Pain
Primary
Abductor Digiti Minimi (Hand)
Extensor Digitorum
First Dorsal Interosseus
Scalene
Secondary
Latissimus Dorsi
Pectoralis Major
Pectoralis Minor
Subclavius
Dorsal Forearm Pain
Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
Scalene
Teres Major
Triceps Brachii
Dorsal Wrist & Hand Pain
Primary
Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis
Secondary
Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
Extensor Carpi Ulnaris
Extensor Digitorum
Extensor Indicis
First Dorsal Interosseus
Latissimus Dorsi
Scalene
Serratus Posterior Superior
Subscapularis
Elbow Pain
Brachioradialis
Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
Supinator
Handwriting Difficulties
Adductor Pollicis
Opponens Pollicis
Lateral Epicondylar Pain
Anconeus
Brachioradialis
Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
Extensor Digitorum
Supinator
Supraspinatus
Triceps Brachii
Medial Epicondylar Pain
Pectoralis Major
Pectoralis Minor
Serratus Anterior
Serratus Posterior Superior
Triceps Brachii
Olecranon Pain
Primary
Triceps Brachii
Secondary
Serratus Posterior Superior
Painful Weak Grip
Brachioradialis
Extensor Digitorum
Infraspinatus
Scalene
Problems Holding Arms Up (as when folding sheets)
Infraspinatus
Levator Scapulae
Subscapularis
Supraspinatus
Trapezius
Radial Forearm Pain
Brachioradialis
Infraspinatus
Scalene
Subclavius
Supraspinatus
Thumb & Radial Hand Pain
Primary
Adductor Pollicis
Brachialis
Brachioradialis
Opponens Pollicis
Scalene
Supinator
Secondary
Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
First Dorsal Interosseus
Flexor Pollicis Longus
Infraspinatus
Subclavius
Thumb Pain and Tingling Numbness (Dysesthesia)
Adductor Pollicis
Brachialis
Opponens Pollicis
Ulnar Forearm Pain
Latissimus Dorsi
Pectoralis Major
Pectoralis Minor
Serratus Posterior Superior
Volar Finger Pain
Primary
Abductor Digiti Minimi (Hand)
First Dorsal Interosseus
Flexor Digirotum Superficialis
Flexor Digitorum Profundus
Secondary
Latissimus Dorsi
Palmaris Longus
Pronator Teres
Serratus Anterior
Triceps Brachii
Volar Forearm Pain
Palmaris Longus
Pronator Teres
Serratus Anterior
Triceps Brachii
Volar Wrist & Palmar Pain
Primary
Pectoralis Major
Secondary
Flexor Carpi Radialis
Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
Latissimus Dorsi
Opponens Pollicis
Palmaris Longus
Pectoralis Minor
Pronator Teres
Serratus Anterior
Dry Needling for Head and Neck
Back of Head Pain
Primary
Sternocleidomastoid
Trapezius
Secondary
Digastric
Occipitalis
Semispinalis Capitis
Splenius Cervicis
Suboccipital Group
Temporalis
Back of Neck Pain
Primary
Multifidi
Trapezius
Secondary
Infraspinatus
Levator Scapulae
Splenius Cervicis
Cheek Pain (like Sinusitis)
Buccinator
Lateral Pterygoid
Masseter
Medial Pterygoid
Platysma
Sternocleidomastoid
Trapezius
Difficulty Swallowing
Digastric
Lateral Pterygoid
Medial Pterygoid
Dizziness When Turning Head or Changing Field of View
Sternocleidomastoid
Double/Blurry/Jumpy Print Vision
Orbicularis Oculi
Splenius Cervicis
Sternocleidomastoid
Drooling in Sleep
Medial Pterygoid
Ear Pain
Masseter
Sternocleidomastoid
Earaches/Tinnitus (Ringing)/Itch
Lateral Pterygoid
Masseter
Medial Pterygoid
Sternocleidomastoid
Feeling Continued Movement in Car After Stopping
Sternocleidomastoid
Feeling Tilted When Cornering in Car
Sternocleidomastoid
Frontal Headache
Primary
Sternocleidomastoid
Secondary
Frontalis
Semispinalis Capitis
Zygomaticus
Headaches or Migraines
Frontalis
Orbicularis Oculi
Platysma
Semispinalis Capitis
Splenius Capitis
Splenius Cervicis
Sternocleidomastoid
Suboccipital Group
Temporalis
Trapezius
Zygomaticus
Post Nasal Drip
Lateral Pterygoid
Medial Pterygoid
Sternocleidomastoid
Runny Nose
Lateral Pterygoid
Medial Pterygoid
Sternocleidomastoid
Sore throat
Digastric
Lateral Pterygoid
Medial Pterygoid
Sternocleidomastoid
Stiff Neck
Levator Scapulae
Swollen Glands
Digastric
Tearing/Reddening of Eye, Drooping of Eyelid
Sternocleidomastoid
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Digastric
Masseter
Soleus
Temple and Eyebrow Pain
Primary
Sternocleidomastoid
Temporalis
Trapezius
Secondary
Masseter
Splenius Cervicis
Suboccipital Group
Temporal Headache (Temples)
Primary
Sternocleidomastoid
Trapezius
Secondary
Semispinalis Capitis
Splenius Cervicis
Suboccipital Group
Temporalis
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Pain
Lateral Pterygoid
Masseter
Medial Pterygoid
Sternocleidomastoid
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)
Lateral Pterygoid
Masseter
Medial Pterygoid
Sternocleidomastoid
Throat & Front of Neck Pain
Primary
Digastric
Sternocleidomastoid
Secondary
Medial Pterygoid
Traveling Nocturnal Sinus Stuffiness
Digastric
Lateral Pterygoid
Medial Pterygoid
Sternocleidomastoid
Upper and Lower Molar Tooth Pain (Toothache)
Digastric
Masseter
Temporalis
Vertex Pain
Primary
Sternocleidomastoid
Secondary
Splenius Capitis
Visual Perception Problems
Sternocleidomastoid
Dry Needling for Hip, Thigh, and Knee
Anterior Knee Pain
Adductor Longus and Brevis
Rectus Femoris
Vastus Medialis
Anterior Thigh Pain
Primary
Adductor Longus and Brevis
Adductor Magnus
Iliopsoas
Sartorius
Vastus Intermedius
Secondary
Pectineus
Quadratus Lumborum
Rectus Femoris
Anteromedial Knee Pain
Primary
Vastus Medialis
Secondary
Adductor Longus and Brevis
Gracilis
Rectus Femoris
Sartorius
Buckling Knee
Adductor Longus and Brevis
Vastus Medialis
Lateral Knee Pain
Vastus Lateralis
Lateral Thigh & Hip Pain
Primary
Gluteus Maximus
Gluteus Minimus
Piriformis
Quadratus Lumborum
Tensor Fasciae Latae
Vastus Intermedius
Vastus Lateralis
Secondary
Rectus Femoris
Vastus Lateralis
Medial Thigh Pain
Primary
Gracilis
Pectineus
Vastus Medialis
Secondary
Adductor Magnus
Sartorius
Numbness/Tingling on the Outer Thigh (Meralgia Paresthetica)
Sartorius
Tensor Fasciae Latae
Vastus Lateralis
Posterior Knee Pain
Primary
Biceps Femoris
Gastrocnemius
Plantaris
Popliteus
Secondary
Gastrocnemius
Semimembranosus
Semitendinosus
Soleus
Posterior Thigh Pain
Primary
Gluteus Minimus
Semimembranosus
Semitendinosus
Secondary
Biceps Femoris
Obturator Internus
Piriformis
Problems Climbing Stairs
Rectus Femoris
Sartorius
Vastus Intermedius
Vastus Lateralis
Vastus Medialis
Problems Going Down Stairs
Popliteus
Dry Needling for Leg, Ankle, and Foot
Anterior Ankle Pain
Primary
Extensor Digitorum Longus
Peroneus Tertius
Tibialis Anterior
Secondary
Extensor Hallucis Longus
Anterior Leg Pain
Adductor Longus and Brevis
Tibialis Anterior
Bunion
Extensor Digitorum Longus
Extensor Hallucis Longus
Flexor Hallucis Brevis
Dorsal Forefoot Pain
Primary
Extensor Digitorum Brevis
Extensor Digitorum Longus
Extensor Hallucis Brevis
Extensor Hallucis Longus
Flexor Hallucis Brevis
Interossei of Foot
Secondary
Tibialis Anterior
Dorsal Great Toe Pain
Primary
Tibialis Anterior
Secondary
Extensor Hallucis Brevis
Extensor Hallucis Longus
Dorsal Lesser Toe Pain
Extensor Digitorum Longus
Interossei of Foot
First Steps in the Morning Feel as if Walking on Nails
Flexor Digitorum Longus
Flexor Hallucis Longus
Tibialis Posterior
Heel Pain
Primary
Abductor Hallucis
Quadratus Plantae
Soleus
Secondary
Tibialis Posterior
Lateral Ankle Pain
Primary
Peroneus Brevis
Peroneus Longus
Secondary
Peroneus Tertius
Lateral Leg Pain
Primary
Gastrocnemius
Secondary
Gluteus Minimus
Peroneus Brevis
Peroneus Longus
Vastus Lateralis
Medial Ankle Pain
Primary
Abductor Hallucis
Secondary
Flexor Digitorum Longus
Metatarsal Head Pain
Abductor Digiti Minimi (Foot)
Abductor Hallucis
Extensor Digitorum Brevis
Extensor Hallucis Longus
Flexor Hallucis Brevis
Interossei of Foot
Tibialis Posterior
Plantar Great Toe Pain
Primary
Flexor Hallucis Longus
Secondary
Flexor Hallucis Brevis
Tibialis Posterior
Plantar Lesser Toe Pain
Primary
Flexor Digitorum Longus
Tibialis Posterior
Plantar Midfoot Pain
Primary
Abductor Hallucis
Flexor Digitorum Longus
Gastrocnemius
Secondary
Abductor Hallucis
Interossei of Foot
Soleus
Tibialis Posterior
Posterior Ankle Pain
Soleus
Tibialis Posterior
Posterior Leg (Calf) Pain
Primary
Soleus
Gastrocnemius
Secondary
Flexor Digitorum Longus
Plantaris
Semimembranosus
Semitendinosus
Tibialis Posterior
Gluteus Minimus
Restless Leg Syndrome
Gastrocnemius
Soleus
Shin Splint Type Pain
Peroneus Brevis
Peroneus Longus
Peroneus Tertius
Tibialis Anterior
Tibialis Posterior
Tight Achilles Tendons
Tibialis Posterior
Upper/Lower Leg Cramps
Gastrocnemius
Sartorius
Weak Ankles
Peroneus Brevis
Peroneus Longus
Peroneus Tertius
Dry Needling for Lower Torso
Anal Pain and Painful Bowel Movements
Sphincter Ani
Buttock Pain
Gluteus Maximus
Gluteus Medius
Gluteus Minimus
Iliocostalis Lumborum
Longissimus Thoracis
Piriformis
Quadratus Lumborum
Rectus Abdominus
Semimembranosus
Semitendinosus
Soleus
Colic
Rectus Abdominus
Dysmenorrhea
Rectus Abdominus
Groin Pain
Adductor Longus and Brevis
Iliopsoas
Iliosacral Pain
Primary
Coccygeus
Gluteus Maximus
Gluteus Medius
Iliocostalis Lumborum
Iliocostalis Thoracis
Iliopsoas
Levator Ani
Longissimus Thoracis
Multifidi
Quadratus Lumborum
Secondary
Rectus Abdominus
Impotence due to Nerve Entrapments
Gluteus Maximus
Piriformis
Lower Abdominal Pain
Primary
External Abdominal Oblique
Iliocostalis Thoracis
Rectus Abdominus
Secondary
Multifidi
Pyramidalis
Quadratus Lumborum
Lumbar Pain
Primary
Iliopsoas
Longissimus Thoracis
Multifidi
Rectus Abdominus
Secondary
Gluteus Medius
Iliocostalis Lumborum
Iliocostalis Thoracis
Painful Intercourse
Abdominal Obliques
Adductor Magnus
Obturator Internus
Pelvic Floor
Piriformis
Pelvic Pain
Primary
Adductor Magnus
Coccygeus
Levator Ani
Obturator Internus
Secondary
Piriformis
Sciatica
Biceps Femoris
Gluteus Maximus
Gluteus Minimus
Piriformis
Semitendinosus
Stress Incontinence or Anal/Genital/Perineal pain
Adductor Magnus
Pelvic Floor
Piriformis
Dry Needling for Torso
Abdominal Cramps
Rectus Abdominus
Abdominal Pain
Primary
Iliocostalis Thoracis
Multifidi
Secondary
Abdominal Obliques
Pyramidalis
Quadratus Lumborum
Rectus Abdominus
Appendicitis-like Pains
Iliocostalis Lumborum
Iliocostalis Thoracis
Iliopsoas
Piriformis
Rectus Abdominus
Bloating/Nausea/Abdominal cramps
Abdominal Obliques
Iliocostalis Lumborum
Iliocostalis Thoracis
Longissimus Thoracis
Multifidi
Quadratus Lumborum
Rectus Abdominus
Diarrhea
Abdominal Obliques
Dry Cough
Sternocleidomastoid
Front of Chest Pain
Primary
Intercostals
Pectoralis Major
Pectoralis Minor
Scalene
Sternalis
Sternocleidomastoid
Subclavius
Secondary
Abdominal Obliques
Hypersensitive Nipples/Breast Pain
Pectoralis Major
Pectoralis Minor
Irritable Bowel
Abdominal Obliques
Multifidi
Lax, Pendulus Abdomen
Abdominal Obliques
Rectus Abdominus
Low Back Pain
Iliocostalis Lumborum
Iliocostalis Thoracis
Longissimus Thoracis
Multifidi
Quadratus Lumborum
Rectus Abdominus
Gluteus Medius
Menstrual Problems, Pelvic Pain
Abdominal Obliques
Adductor Magnus
Coccygeus
Diaphragm
Levator Ani
Obturator Internus
Nausea & Vomiting
Rectus Abdominus
Rapid/Fluttery/Irregular Heartbeat/Heart Attack-like Pain
Pectoralis Major
Sternalis
Reflux Esophagitis
Abdominal Obliques
Sacral & Gluteal Pain
Iliocostalis Lumborum
Longissimus Thoracis
Multifidi
Shortness of Breath/Stitch-in-the-side
Serratus Anterior
Side of Chest Pain
Primary
Intercostals
Serratus Anterior
Secondary
Latissimus Dorsi
Thoracic Back Pain
Primary
Iliocostalis Thoracis
Intercostals
Multifidi
Rectus Abdominus
Serratus Posterior Superior
Secondary
Iliopsoas
Latissimus Dorsi
Urinary Frequency, Urine Retention, "Kidney" Pain
Abdominal Obliques
Rectus Abdominus
Dry Needling for Upper Back, Shoulder and Arm
Back of Arm Pain
Primary
Scalene
Teres Major
Secondary
Coracobrachialis
Deltoid
Latissimus Dorsi
Serratus Posterior Superior
Subscapularis
Supraspinatus
Teres Minor
Triceps Brachii
Back of Shoulder Pain
Primary
Deltoid
Levator Scapulae
Secondary
Iliocostalis Thoracis
Latissimus Dorsi
Serratus Posterior Superior
Subscapularis
Supraspinatus
Teres Major
Teres Minor
Trapezius
Triceps Brachii
Front of Arm Pain
Primary
Biceps Brachii
Scalene
Subclavius
Triceps Brachii
Secondary
Brachialis
Deltoid
Infraspinatus
Sternalis
Supraspinatus
Front of Shoulder Pain
Primary
Biceps Brachii
Coracobrachialis
Infraspinatus
Pectoralis Major
Pectoralis Minor
Supraspinatus
Secondary
Latissimus Dorsi
Sternalis
Subclavius
Mid-Thoracic Back Pain
Primary
Iliocostalis Thoracis
Infraspinatus
Latissimus Dorsi
Multifidi
Rectus Abdominus
Rhomboid
Serratus Anterior
Serratus Posterior Superior
Trapezius
Secondary
Levator Scapulae
Upper Thoracic Back Pain
Primary
Levator Scapulae
Multifidi
Scalene
Trapezius
Secondary
Biceps Brachii
Rhomboid
Splenius Cervicis
Supraspinatus
Triceps Brachii
As we navigate through the intricate world of trigger points detailed in the Travell and Simons text, it's clear that understanding these specific points can transform the approach to managing acute and chronic pain. By sorting symptoms and their corresponding trigger points, this resource provides a structured pathway to identifying and addressing the often elusive sources of pain.
In conclusion, whether you're experiencing forearm discomfort, back pain, or any other specific ailment, recognizing the related trigger points can significantly enhance the effectiveness of treatments like acupuncture, dry needling, massage, or trigger point therapy. If you're intrigued by the potential of this technique and want to dive deeper into the science of acupuncture and dry needling for trigger points and pain relief, be sure to explore our in-depth articles. These resources are designed to expand your knowledge and provide comprehensive insights into innovative pain management strategies that could offer the relief you've been seeking.
Remember, while this post offers a glimpse into the vast landscape of trigger points, our additional readings available on the blog delve deeper, offering more extensive discussions and expert insights. So, don't hesitate to explore further and discover how targeted treatments could potentially alleviate discomfort and improve your overall well-being. Visit our blog to read more and embark on your journey towards a pain-free life.
Over to you
If you liked this article, please share with friends and family who may want to learn more about dry needling and trigger points.
Sources:
Travell, J. G., Simons, D. G. (1993). Myofascial pain and dysfunction: The trigger point manual. London: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Biel, A., & Dorn, R. (2010). Trail guide to the body: A hands-on guide to locating muscles, bones and more. Boulder, CO: Books of Dicovery.
Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.
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