Acupuncture for Tibialis Posterior Pain
Acupuncture for Posterior Tibialis Pain
Experiencing discomfort or pain around your inner ankle or lower leg? It might be linked to the Tibialis Posterior muscle. This blog explores how acupuncture can be an effective treatment for pain related to the Tibialis Posterior, complementing our previous discussion about this vital muscle.
Understanding Tibialis Posterior Pain
The Tibialis Posterior, key in foot and ankle stability, is prone to overuse injuries, especially in athletes or individuals with certain foot biomechanics. Problems can range from inflammation to more severe conditions like Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy or Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD).
Trigger points can play a big role in posterior tibialis muscle pain - please see our detailed blog about tibialis posterior trigger points for more information and how dry needling can be effective for this type of pain.
Acupuncture's Role in Treatment
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice that now has many techniques including dry needling, involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. This method can significantly alleviate pain related to the Tibialis Posterior by:
Reducing Inflammation: Acupuncture can decrease local inflammation, which is often a primary cause of pain in Tibialis Posterior-related conditions.
Improving Circulation: Enhanced blood flow to the affected area can aid in faster recovery and reduce swelling.
Releasing Muscle Tension: By targeting specific acupuncture points and trigger points, tension within the Tibialis Posterior muscle can be released, helping alleviate pain and prevent further injury.
Correcting Biomechanical Imbalances: Acupuncture can help address underlying biomechanical issues that contribute to Tibialis Posterior pain, promoting long-term health and preventing recurrence
Symptoms of Specific Conditions Treated
Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy: Acupuncture can be particularly effective in reducing the pain and swelling associated with this condition.
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: Early intervention with acupuncture can help in managing pain and may slow the progression of PTTD.
Shin Splints: Acupuncture can provide relief from the pain associated with shin splints, especially when related to Tibialis Posterior dysfunction.
Tibialis Posterior Acupuncture Points
Several acupuncture points lie near or along the path of the posterior tibialis muscle:
Spleen 6 (SP6) - Located on the inner aspect of the leg, approximately three finger widths above the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone). In some people there is a tibialis posterior motor point accessible about 1 finger breadth above SP6 and just behind the tibia. Caution is advised in this area due to nerves in the area. This point is often used for conditions related to the lower leg and is known for its influence on the spleen, liver, and kidney meridians.
Spleen 7 (SP7) - Located on the inner aspect of the leg, is situated approximately three finger widths above SP6 (so about 6 finger breadths above the inner ankle bone), along the posterior border of the tibia. This point falls directly along the path of the tibialis posterior muscle. In acupuncture practice, SP7 is acknowledged for its role in addressing issues related to the spleen meridian, which often correlates with muscle and limb disorders.
Bladder 57 (BL57) - The muscle is also deep to a location about halfway between acupuncture points BL56 and BL57. The posterior tibial artery and nerve lie deep to this area so caution is needed when working in this area.
The Process of Acupuncture for Tibialis Posterior Pain
During an acupuncture session for Tibialis Posterior pain, the practitioner will:
Assess your specific condition and understand the extent of the injury or dysfunction.
Choose acupuncture points that not only target the Tibialis Posterior but also address any contributing factors such as lower leg imbalances or overall body alignment.
Apply needles to these points, which may include areas along the lower leg, ankle, and possibly other related meridians in the body.
Blend treatment styles if needed including tradtional acupuncture, dry needling, electroacupuncture, cupping or gua sha.
What to Expect
Patients often experience relief after a few sessions, with improvements in pain levels, mobility, and overall function. Regular treatments might be necessary for chronic conditions to maintain benefits and prevent recurrence. Physical therapy is a great compliment to acupuncture treatments to help strengthen the muscle to prevent future reinjury.
Complementary Treatments
While acupuncture can be a standalone treatment, it often works best in conjunction with other therapies like physical therapy and stretching exercises. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive care and addresses the issue from multiple angles.
Conclusion
Acupuncture offers a promising solution for those suffering from pain related to the Tibialis Posterior muscle. It provides a non-invasive, holistic approach to pain management and recovery, aligning with the body's natural healing processes. If you're struggling with such discomfort, consider acupuncture as a viable treatment option.
Over to you
If you liked this article, please share with friends and family who may want to learn more about the tibialis posterior muscle.
Sources:
Travell, J. G., Simons, D. G. (1993). Myofascial pain and dysfunction: The trigger point manual. London: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Biel, A., & Dorn, R. (2010). Trail guide to the body: A hands-on guide to locating muscles, bones and more. Boulder, CO: Books of Dicovery.
Janda, Vladimír. “Muscle Function Testing.” (1983).
Corcoran NM, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Tibialis Posterior Muscle. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539913/
Rhim, H. C., Dhawan, R., Gureck, A. E., Lieberman, D. E., Nolan, D. C., Elshafey, R., & Tenforde, A. S. (2022). Characteristics and Future Direction of Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy Research: A Scoping Review. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 58(12), 1858. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58121858
Willegger, M., Seyidova, N., Schuh, R. et al. The tibialis posterior tendon footprint: an anatomical dissection study. J Foot Ankle Res 13, 25 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-020-00392-1
Riegleman, D. L., & Creech, J. A. (2021). Successful Treatment of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome with Interosseous Membrane Acupuncture: A Case Series. Medical acupuncture, 33(2), 150–152. https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2020.1448
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