The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is one part of the ANS. In some states, the PNS is not stimulated enough, as seen in some people with dysautonomia (or autonomic dysregulation). To learn more about the ANS, please click here. To learn more about dysautonomia, please click here. Quick ANS Review The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)…

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There are many divisions of the nervous system (or brain). It can get quite complicated, but for now, lets focus on the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The brain controls every physiological function within our body, and the ANS controls very specific functions. The Autonomic Nervous System The autonomic nervous system controls many vital functions. It…

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a skeletal model with a highlighted area over the shoulder, indicating a painful trigger point

Shoulder pain is very common and tends to recur despite medical treatment [5]. When assessing the shoulder, we consider all sources of shoulder pain, from joint dysfunction, endocrine disorders (including diabetic shoulder pain) and muscule/tissue origins of pain, such as frozen shoulder and myofascial pain syndrome, which is associated with trigger points. Trigger points are…

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anatomical musclular model with a red portion indicating low back pain, from trigger points

Low back pain is a very common, with the majority experiencing low back pain at some point in their lives. When assessing the low back, we consider mechanical causes of back pain (such as joint dysfunction), disc issues, age related changes and muscular origins of pain. Trigger points are hypersensitive painful points in muscle, which…

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Person with back to you highlighting area of chronic neck pain that can be helped with acupuncture or dry needling

At Absolute Health and Wellness, we strive to help all patients, including those experiencing chronic pain. Chronic pain is considered any pain endured for more than 3 months. Evidenced Based Recommendations for Chronic Pain There are many aspects of to managing chronic pain, our team at Absolute Health & Wellness emphasizes the following  [1]: Neuroscience…

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Person grabbing painful area of shoulder that can be helped with acupuncture and dry needling

Acupuncture has been used for treating trigger points for a long time. Dry needling is a common practice now, and we’re happy to provide dry needling at Absolute Health and Wellness. You may also know of dry needling as trigger-point acupuncture. A Review of Trigger Points For a more in-depth look at trigger points, please…

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Picture of a trigger point in the muscle as well as trigger point acupuncture with text bubble saying how dry needling works for pain

Dry needling is a method to help alleviate trigger points. Dry needling is often referred to as trigger point acupuncture. Trigger points are hypersensitive points within a muscle which create pain, limit range of motion, cause weakness and other symptoms. To learn more about trigger points, click here. Dry needling is a technique used to…

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Musculoskeletal diagram illustrating various areas for trigger points or pain on the body with a text bubble saying what are trigger points?

Myofascial pain syndrome is a pain condition characterized by trigger points. Trigger points and Myofascial pain syndrome is recognized by the International Association for the Study of Pain. Emerging research has shown this diagnosis is oftentimes involved in complicated, chronic pain syndromes of all sorts. What is a Trigger Point? A trigger point is a…

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