Trigger Point Therapy- A Trigger point is a collection of muscle cells that are in a continuous state of full contraction. They are commonly referred to as a “muscle knot”. The more technical definition describes a Trigger Point as “a hyper-irritable spot in skeletal muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band. This spot is painful upon compression and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, referred tenderness, motor dysfunction, and autonomic phenomena.” Travell & Simons; Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, The Trigger Point Manual; 1999, pg.5
There are two types of trigger points:
- “Latent” trigger points will cause fatigue and weakness to the involved muscle(s); however, they do not cause pain or other symptoms.
- “Active” trigger points will also cause fatigue and weakness to the involved muscle(s) AND will always produce symptoms. Symptoms such as dizziness, numbness, vertigo, sinus issues, toothache, muscle weakness, sciatic pain, migraine, TMJD, heartburn, knee issues, back and shoulder pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hip pain and carpal tunnel syndrome are very often caused by trigger points.
Trigger point therapy involves the application of gentle yet firm pressure to specific areas along the body, known as pressure or trigger points. This pressure is provided by the hands of a skilled registered Massage Therapist trained in trigger point release. Sometimes, a therapist may choose to use certain devices or tools to assist with force application.
The manual pressure provided by a therapist during trigger point therapy is intended to relax and normalize trigger points within the fascia, a widespread, sheath-like, fibrous tissue encasing your musculoskeletal structures. Fascia, which is normally pliant and flexible, is important for protecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and nerves and helps them move together in a coordinated way. However, when stress, injury, poor posture, repetitive movement, or poor nutrition or hydration is imposed on the body, the fascia can become inelastic and stiff. This restricts the normal movement of the connective tissues beneath, leading to pain, immobility, and even an increased risk of injury.
To this end, trigger point therapy is intended to “release” the tension and stress in the fascia and other structures within targeted treatment areas, thus restoring normal movement, relieving pain, and reducing your risk of further tissue damage.
What and where are trigger points?
You probably know what a knot feels like: an area that feels uncomfortable, stiff, dense, and maybe even tender. Indeed, “knots” are essentially synonymous with trigger points, although they may not always be overtly obvious or noticeable.
Trigger points can happen anywhere in the body and are especially common in the shoulders, back, and hips. As mentioned, the connective tissue within these areas exhibit increased tension and stiffness, often as a result of stress, illness, or injury. Muscle fibers may tense up in spasms and there may be a decrease in oxygenated blood or lymphatic flow to the area, as well, all of which can contribute to localized stiffness and discomfort.
Interestingly, trigger point pain can often be referred from other parts of the body. A buildup of scar tissue or a joint misalignment, for instance, may lead to pain or spasm in a nearby muscle. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to consult with a physiotherapist if you’re struggling with pressure point pain, since there may be more to the symptoms than meets the eye.
What conditions may benefit from trigger point release?
Fascial tissue is located throughout your body, so adhesions and activated trigger points anywhere within this tissue can affect a wide number of physiological systems and structures. Our registered Massage Therapy team has found myofascial release to be effective for numerous conditions, including:
- Sciatica
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Medial and lateral epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow, respectively)
- Whiplash
- Osteoarthritis
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
- Headaches and migraines
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder
How should I prepare for trigger point therapy?
Prepare for your trigger point therapy session as you would for your massage therapy session. You’ll be treated on a massage therapy table.
Know that when you first arrive for your initial consultation, one of our therapists will take you through a thorough patient history questionnaire and examination. You’ll be encouraged to ask questions along the way to help us gain insight into your unique condition and help us provide you with a treatment that works for you and plan of care that will outline how many sessions you can expect to need to see improvement in your particular condition.
We always encourage our patients to stay well-hydrated both before, during, and after treatment. Water is essential to helping your body heal, and the effects of both active and passive therapeutic services (including pressure point massage) are amplified when you drink plenty of fluids. Aim for one third to one half your body weight in fluid ounces per day, or more if you exercise a lot or have a physically demanding job.
Pressure, either static or dynamic, is applied to the trigger point to “release” it. When pressure is applied to the trigger point, it may reproduce the discomfort that a person has been feeling that has caused them to seek treatment in the first place. Don’t worry, by releasing the trigger point the pain associated with it will be gone or greatly diminished. It usually takes 2-3 sessions in close proximity to see great results. For more information, Contact Us Today at one of our three Victoria, BC Clinics.