THE FOLLOWING ARE SYMPTOMS AND CONDITIONS COMMONLY TREATED BY THE WASHINGTON ACUPUNCTURE CENTER. MUSCLE STRAINS AND SPASMS Muscle pain from strains, sprains or spasms may be disabling. Using a muscle to lift something in an awkward position may tear muscle fibres with bleeding into muscle tissue and injury to nerves there. This type of muscle injury is usually referred to as a strain. Severe muscle strain involving tendons and sometimes the ligaments around a joint is called a sprain. Muscle spasms may be produced by the nerve irritation from muscle strains and sprains but also from neurological disorders not related to injuries. They may follow strokes and are a serious problem for many paraplegics. Whatever the cause of muscle strains or spasms, acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for relieving them. Some patients experience considerable relief after the first treatment, but many more may be required for lasting relief. Six treatments are usually enough to relieve pain from muscle strain permanently. Nutritional deficiencies may produce or aggravate muscle spasms. So vitamins are recommended during and following treatments. Strenuous exercise and chilling should be avoided, but mild exercise may be recommended during and following treatments. next