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 point pain syndrome and the fibromyalgia syndrome. Myofascial trigger point pain syndrome is an all too 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. Key Features

• Evidence-based, up-to-date, and detailed information on trigger points, musculoskeletal pain, and the physiology of pain provide the most authoritative assessments available on this topic.
• Practical, step-by-step treatment guidelines help readers apply key concepts to actual practice.
• Clear illustrations demonstrate important techniques and areas of pain and needling.
• Expanded coverage of fibromyalgia and the neurophysiology of myofascial trigger points includes common symptoms and treatments.
• More information on new treatment options for the common problem of whiplash injuries.

New to this Edition

• Expanded chapter on fibromyalgia
• Expanded chapter on the neurophysiology of myofascial trigger points
• Revised and updated throughout to include all relevant clinical trial information
• More information on whiplash injuries
• New chapter on complex regional pain syndromes

Author Information By Peter E. Baldry, MB, FRCP, Emeritus Consultant Physician and Postgraduate Clinical Tutor, Ashford Hospital, London, UK; Member of the British and Irish Chapter of the International Association for the Study of Pain; Member of the International Myopain Society Product Reviews "This book provides an excellent, lucid, and westernized approach to one school of acupuncture. I commend it to Physiotherapists, rheumatologists, and general practitioners who are interested in all aspects of musculoskeletal disease. "Tha Lancet a well written, scholarly book which I find of considerable benefit in its description of the anatomy and mechanism of trigger point activity. He diagrams of muscle structure and trigger point location are excellent. Should be regarded as a "must" for those involved or interested in trigger points and musculoskeletal pain."The European Journal of Oriental Medicine a welcome addition to the pain literature. Dr Baldry's intention is to place acupuncture within the framework of known mechanisms of pain physiology, provide a scientific foundation for its use, and promote its inclusion in the management of certain pain syndromes... The book is recommended for those familiar with either acupuncture or with myofascial pain syndromes, and who wish to broaden their perspective of the treatment of these conditions"Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain continue to be impressed by the scope of this book with its extensive range of references from many different sources. The second edition brilliantly joins together the ancient craft of acupuncture with current scientific understanding of the needle effect. It is copiously illustrated throughout with clear line drawings which, together with the text, provide a practical guide for clinical use. It also contains sufficient theory and historical background to allow a broad overview of the subject. This book remains required reading for all who are concerned with needling techniques and the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders"Acupuncture in Medicine Janet Edwards, November 2004 "Less nimble minds will be relieved by the clear diagrams guiding them through complex neural pathways and chemical mazes! The latter half of the book is the section which will be thumbed through repeatedly by physiotherapists practising in the musculoskeletal field. This third edition has been enlarged and brought up to date with relevant research. It is definitely a book to buy for the department library, if not the individual."