Adjunct Placement for Acupuncture Points and Trigger Points for Ankle Pain
Introduction
The Primary Placement shown in the Ankle Pain Treatment Protocol is the recommended starting point. The placements below are optional Adjunct Placements that may be considered when symptoms correspond with particular areas of tenderness, muscular involvement or movement restriction, or when the Primary Placement alone is not providing the desired response.
Adjunct Placements may be used alongside the Primary Placement, at different times, or when exploring other placement options. An appropriately selected distal acupuncture point may sometimes be useful on its own. Under the Field | Dose | Placement principle, use the approved magnet configuration and size for each point, then prioritise placements according to where symptoms are felt, tenderness, movement restriction and individual response.
Recommended Additional Placements
Acupuncture Points
- SP6 – Medium Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – M
Located on the inner lower leg above the inside ankle. It may be considered where symptoms or tenderness involve the medial ankle or adjacent lower-leg region. - KI3 – Small Quadrapolar – S
Located around the inner ankle, between the medial ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. This provides a more focal placement option around the posteromedial ankle. - BL60 – Small Quadrapolar – S
Located around the outer ankle, between the lateral ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. It may be considered where symptoms or tenderness correspond with the posterolateral ankle region.
Myofascial Trigger Points
- Tibialis Posterior – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
The tibialis posterior lies deep along the back and inner aspect of the lower leg and contributes to ankle and foot control. Consider this placement where there is relevant muscular tenderness or discomfort along the medial lower leg. - Peroneus Longus – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
The peroneus longus runs along the outer aspect of the lower leg and contributes to ankle stability. This placement may be considered where tenderness or muscular involvement is more prominent along the lateral lower leg.
Practical Placement Guidance
Begin with the Primary Placement shown in the Ankle Pain Treatment Protocol, then consider Adjunct Placements where they correspond with the individual’s symptoms and response.
Where practical:
- gently palpate the inner and outer ankle and lower leg for relevant tender or sensitive areas;
- consider KI3 or BL60 when a more focal placement around the ankle is appropriate;
- consider SP6 where symptoms or tenderness extend into the medial lower-leg region;
- consider tibialis posterior or peroneus longus where muscular tenderness or movement-related discomfort corresponds with those areas;
- use only the placements that appear relevant rather than routinely applying every listed point.
The S, M and L recommendations reflect the intended Field and Dose for each approved placement. A larger magnet is not automatically preferable; selection should match the target tissue and required anatomical coverage.
This information is provided as educational guidance and does not replace diagnosis, medical assessment or treatment recommended by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
