Trigger Points can Cause Much Pain.

You’re rubbing a sore muscle and suddenly cringe in pain. Why does that one tiny spot hurt so much?

Chances are, you’ve developed a trigger point.

 

Trigger points and other myofascial pains are benign, but the pain they cause can be intense and debilitating. Luckily, trigger point massage is a simple, non-invasive way to release those tight spots and alleviate pain.

 

A trigger point is a small, tight area in the taut band of muscle fibers and fascia, which restricts blood flow to the area and causes pain. Also known as contraction knots, trigger points become so tight that they can be felt underneath the skin. They are typically very sensitive, causing severe pain that seems out of proportion to the pressure being applied.

 

One unique feature of trigger points is that this pain is not always felt at the location of the trigger point; instead, it can be felt in a different area of the body, called referred pain. In some cases, you might not feel any pain; instead, the muscle may feel tight, stiff, or have a reduced range of motion.

 

Trigger points can be either active or passive. Active trigger points cause pain during rest or when compressed. Inactive or latent trigger points only cause pain as a response to compression.

 

What Causes Trigger Points?

Weakness, small tears, tense muscles, dehydration, and even poor diet can cause trigger points to form.

 

When overworked or injured muscle fibers cannot relax, this can cause a mini contraction in a small area of the fascia or muscle fiber. This stretches the muscle band on either side of the trigger point. The knot of contracted tissue also restricts blood flow to the area, which effectively “starves” the muscle of necessary oxygen and leads to a build-up of waste material within the cells.

 

The pain of a trigger point may discourage you from moving the affected muscle, which causes other muscle fibers to contract and more trigger points to develop. This is why swift, effective treatment is so crucial. Luckily, trigger point massage is an easy way to encourage trigger points to release.

 

How Does Trigger Point Massage Therapy Work?

Trigger points will not heal on their own, and treating trigger points requires seeing a licensed massage therapist.

 

So, how does a trigger point massage work?

 

While no single type of massage is labeled a “trigger point massage,” massage therapists can use several techniques to loosen these knots, including myofascial release and deep tissue massage.

 

Massage works to release a trigger point by pushing fresh blood in and flushing waste material out. This helps relieve some of your pain by bringing more oxygen into the area and encouraging the muscles to release.

​

Other techniques, such as PNF stretching and Neural Reset Therapy, can trick your muscles into releasing trigger points through stretching and movement.

 

Preventing Trigger Points

Although benign, trigger points can cause a lot of pain and affect your daily life, so your best course of action is to prevent them from forming in the first place.

​

The good news is that this is possible! Some trigger point therapy and prevention you can try at home include:

• Regular stretching and exercise

• Foam roller treatment

• Proper posture

• Quality sleep

• Nutritious diet

 

Trigger points often form after an unavoidable injury, such as a car accident. If you have experienced a traumatic injury to the muscle (even from lifting a box that was too heavy), you can schedule an appointment with me today.

 

What Is a Trigger Point?

To understand trigger points, we need to look closely at muscles. Each of your muscles consists of bundles of muscle fibers encased in a web of collagen called “fascia.” Fascia runs through and around every muscle in your body and acts as the “glue” that holds your muscle tissue together.

 

What to Expect During and After Your Trigger Point Massage:

I will be focused on rubbing and pressing your muscle knots in this massage. You may experience both discomfort and relief throughout your appointment. After your massage, you may feel tired and sore for a day or two. It has been known that some people experience a boost in energy after trigger point massage.