Acupuncture, Trigger Points, and Musculoskeletal Pain

The third edition of this highly successful book describes how musculoskeletal pain can be simply and effectively treated by acupuncture. It gives a comprehensive account of current knowledge concerning two very commonly occurring musculoskeletal pain disorders – the myofascial trigger poit pain syndrome and the fibromyalgia syndrome.
Myofascial trigger point pain syndrome is an all-to-common complaint. It often goes unrecognised or alternatively is passed off as trivial and ineffectively treated.
This third edition gives a wide-ranging review of current knowledge concerning it. The author, after having given a detailed account of the neurophysiology of pain in general, discusses at length the pathophysiology of myofascial trigger point nociceptive pain and the rationale for alleviating it by means of the acupuncture technique of superficially applied dry needle – evoked nerve stimulation at trigger point sites.
This book will be of interest to all healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of pain including anaesthetists, rheumatologists, orthopaedic specialists, general physicians, general practitioners and physiotherapists.

New chapters to this edition:

Pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of the myofascial trigger point and fibromyalgia syndromes (Ch 7),
Concomitant myofascial pain and complex regional pain syndromes (Ch 8),
Neurophysiological pain – suppressing effects of acupuncture and TENS (Ch 9),
Treatment of myofascial trigger point pain and fibromyalgia syndromes (Ch 10),
Scientific evaluation of acupuncture’s ability to relieve nociceptive pain (Ch 11),
Each chapter has been thoroughly revised with fully updated references and includes all relevant clinical trial information.
Part 3 includes information on a wide range of topics such as migraine, lateral epidondylalgia, repetitive strain injury, whiplash injury and pelvic floor pain disorders.

naturmed´s opion:

Peter Baldry’s Acupuncture, Trigger Points, and Musculoskeletal Pain is a seminal work that bridges traditional Chinese acupuncture with modern Western medical approaches to treating chronic pain, particularly musculoskeletal disorders. Aimed at both medical practitioners and acupuncturists, the book provides a detailed and practical guide to understanding and treating myofascial trigger points using dry needling and acupuncture techniques.

One of the book’s strongest assets is its clinical relevance. Baldry, drawing on decades of experience as a physician, explains the physiology and pathophysiology of trigger points with clarity, offering practical techniques for their identification and treatment. He successfully demystifies the relationship between traditional acupuncture points and myofascial trigger points, showing where they align and diverge.

The content is well-organized, starting with foundational knowledge on muscle anatomy and pain physiology before moving into specific treatment protocols. The illustrations and case studies enhance the text, making it more accessible for practitioners who may not have a deep background in acupuncture but are keen to incorporate trigger point therapy into their practice.

This book is particularly valuable for physiotherapists, physicians, and acupuncturists looking for an evidence-informed approach to pain management. It also serves as a compelling argument for an integrated East-West approach to healthcare.

That said, some readers might find the text a bit dense or technical if they’re new to the subject. However, for professionals in the field, it’s a goldmine of practical insights and clinical guidance.