Trigger points can be felt as knots or taught bands in the muscle. When active, trigger-points can create a gnawing pain that is very difficult to get rid of and often create referred pain patterns. Referred pain is pain experienced elsewhere in the body that is away from the active trigger point itself.  For example, trigger points in the muscles of the head and neck can contribute greatly to headache syndromes including migraine headache. Many people have numerous trigger points that cause pain the upper back and around the shoulder blades.

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Trigger point needling can often give immediate relief of this gnawing pain as well as increase range of motion in the muscle treated. While the term needling or injection may sound intimidating, the actual piercing of the skin is usually not painful. When the trigger point is released, this can produce a variety of local and referred temporary sensations.

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It is a therapy that can be very helpful especially when used while doing physical therapy.