Acupuncture is a treatment modality that is sometimes used within the scope of physiotherapy practice as part of an integrated approach to relieve and control pain and inflammation. Acupuncture works by stimulating the brain and spinal cord to produce natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin. These chemicals have been shown to promote the body's healing mechanisms and offer pain relief. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as, manual therapy or exercise to enhance recovery.
Trigger point acupuncture may also be used for ongoing muscle pain, or as a way of improving muscle length in order to aid stretch and rehabilitation. In this case the therapist will palpate the affected muscle and carefully locate the trigger point (taught band) and insert the needle into the affected part of the muscle (Initially the patient might feel a twitch response)  until the tissue is felt to relax under the needle and the trigger point disseminates.