TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
Even though trigger points are quite small, they can produce significant discomfort. Learn how and why trigger point massage can bring about long-term relief.
You wince in discomfort as you rub a strained muscle. Ouch! Just why is it so painful in that one specific spot?
It’s likely that you’ve developed a trigger point.
The discomfort that trigger points and myofascial pain produce can be severe enough to interfere with daily life. The good news is that trigger point massage is a straightforward, noninvasive method of releasing the knots and easing the associated discomfort. So, let’s get into the specifics of trigger point massage and the steps you may take to avoid developing them in the first place.
But first, let’s address the elephant in the room: what exactly is a trigger point?
A Trigger Point Is…
Looking at muscles in greater detail will help us grasp the concept of trigger points.
Muscles are made up of groups of muscle fibers that are wrapped in a collagen matrix called fascia. Fascia is the connective tissue that wraps and supports your muscles throughout your body.
[Muscle fiber bundle]
Pain in a specific region can be traced back to a trigger point, which is a localized area of tightness in the muscle fibers or fascia that limits blood flow. It is possible to feel the tightening of these “knots” beneath the surface of the skin. They tend to be extremely delicate, resulting in excruciating discomfort that belies the actual force exerted. Pain from trigger points, however, is not always experienced precisely where the trigger point is located. As opposed to being localized to one area, the pain from an activated trigger point might radiate to other parts of the body. You can first notice your back hurting in your neck, and subsequently your head. No pain sensation may occur under certain conditions. The muscle may feel tight or rigid, and its range of motion may be diminished.
Is There a Reason for Trigger Points?
Trigger points can develop for many different reasons, including fatigue, minor rips, muscle tension, dehydration, and even poor nutrition. The inability of overworked or injured muscle fibers to relax causes a localized contraction of the fascia or muscle fiber. The muscle bands on either side of the trigger point are stretched as a result. Additionally, the restricted blood supply caused by the knot of constricted tissue “starves” the muscle of oxygen and causes cellular waste to accumulate.Trigger points induce pain, which can make you avoid moving the injured muscle, which in turn stimulates other muscle fibers to contract and creates new trigger points. This is why prompt treatment that works is so important. Massage of the affected area is a simple method of inducing trigger point release.
When a person has a trigger point, how does the massage therapy work?
Painful trigger points will not leave on their own. Visit a qualified massage therapist for a trigger point treatment to feel better.
Why is a trigger point massage so effective?
There is no such thing as a “trigger point massage,” but myofascial release and deep tissue massage are two methods used by massage therapists to alleviate trigger points. As a form of massage, trigger points work to improve circulation and relax tight muscles.Releasing a trigger point with massage helps by bringing fresh blood to the area and removing toxins. By increasing blood flow and oxygen levels, this helps relax muscles and lessen discomfort. Trigger points in your muscles can be released with the help of stretching and movement using other treatments like PNF stretching and Neural Reset Therapy.
Reducing the Risk of Experiencing Trigger Points
Prevention is the best treatment for trigger points because even if they aren’t harmful, they can cause a lot of pain and interfere with daily life.
The encouraging thing is that this is feasible! Trigger points can be avoided by:
Exercise and stretching on a regular basis
Upright stance
Sound rest
Healthy eating habits
Naturally, trigger points frequently develop following an unavoidable injury, like a vehicle accident. Schedule an appointment with a massage therapist who is proficient in trigger point massage techniques if you have suffered a severe injury to the muscle (even from lifting a box that was too heavy).
Conclusion
Although trigger points are very localized, they can result in significant discomfort. Thankfully, trigger point massage can provide long-lasting comfort.
Along with chiropractic adjustments, trigger point massage can speed up recovery from an auto accident.
TUTCH Mobile Spa has massage therapists available if you’ve been experiencing pain from a muscular knot or trigger point. Our massage therapists are experts in a wide range of massage modalities.
