Muscular skeletal pain is pain that affects muscles, tendons and ligaments, and bones. The main causes include repetitive movement, postural strain, overuse, physical injury and prolonged immobilization. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory is usually prescribed to relieve the pain.

 

This sort of pain is the most common problem seen in an acupuncture clinic. Knots or tender spots are easily found locally. In Chinese medicine, this is mainly diagnosed as stagnation of Chi (energy) and poor circulation. The insertion of needles on acupuncture points helps to relieve the blockage of energy thus improving circulation. Patients always feel their tensed muscles getting looser after acupuncture treatment. Furthermore, many scientific studies also indicated that acupuncture may have similar anti-inflammatory effect by stimulating body to release pain-relieving substances such as endorphin. Acupuncture has been taken as one of the most effective natural therapy in pain management.

 

I was always asked by my patients “Apart from acupuncture treatment, what else I can do”? My recommendation is: if your pain is mainly because of strained muscles, it is important to ensure a good rest and avoid or reduce related muscle movements.

 

The following list is major muscle problems usually seen at acupuncture clinic.

 

Neck shoulder pain

Lower back pain

Sciatic nerve pain

Tennis elbow

Plantar fasciitis

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Knee pain

Ankle pain

Hip Pain

Fibromiagia