Trigger Point Therapy – Is it for me?

Trigger point therapy also known as myofascial release therapy is designed to speed up recovery from injury, correct muscular imbalances and help relieve pain.

What is a trigger point?

A trigger point is an area of tight muscle fibres that can refer pain to other parts of the body.

They are commonly referred to as “knots” and can be sensitive to pressure and are often associated with muscle discomfort, tension, and restricted movement.

There are two different types of trigger points:

1. Active – these are points that actively refer pain either on movement or impulsively. They are often very tender to the touch.
2. Latent – these are usually non-symptomatic but can become active and cause pain.

What causes trigger points?

They can develop due to various different factors and are often linked to muscle dysfunction and may contribute to many chronic pain conditions.

As the cause of trigger points can vary widely let’s have a look at 5 common causes:

1. Joint Issues.

Chronic joint problems or conditions can affect the biomechanics of the body and can lead to muscle imbalances and trigger point development.

2. Muscle trauma or injury.

Direct trauma, such as a muscle strain or injury from a fall can lead to the development of trigger points. The affected muscle may react by forming trigger points as part of the healing process.

3. Lack of physical activity.

Lack of physical activity and a general sedentary lifestyle can contribute to muscle stiffness and the formation of trigger points. Regular movement and exercises can help to maintain muscle health and reduce the risk of trigger points forming.

4. Poor posture.

Prolonged periods of poor posture, such as slouching can contribute to muscle imbalances and the formation of trigger points, especially in the upper back, neck, and shoulders.

5. Referred pain from other structures.

Pain or dysfunction in one part of the body may lead to compensatory movements and trigger point development in other muscles. For example, a hip issue may result in trigger points in the muscles of the lower back.

What is trigger point therapy?

Trigger point therapy is a massage technique that involves applying sustained pressure to specific trigger points to alleviate pain, release muscle stiffness, improve range of motion and muscle function and promote healing.

What happens in a trigger point therapy session?

Your massage therapist will work on locating and releasing your trigger points using various techniques. They will apply focused pressure to the trigger points using their fingers, elbows, and knuckles.

The session may also incorporate stretching and various other massage techniques to release tension in the surrounding muscle tissues.

Who would benefit from Trigger Point therapy?

This type of massage technique may help anyone suffering from muscle tightness but especially people who have experienced:

• Inflammation.
• Physical trauma – slips, falls or car accidents.
• Scarring – from injuries or surgery.
• Repetitive strain injuries.
• Pinched nerves.

Is trigger point therapy suitable for everyone?

Although this therapy can be beneficial for many individuals, it may not be suitable for everyone. People with certain medical conditions or injuries should always consult with their Chiropractor, massage therapist or G.P. to determine its appropriateness for their situation.

It is also extremely important that you receive treatment from a qualified therapist. Here at Heale’s all our therapists are members of the International Council of Holistic Therapists and are therefore bound by their codes of conduct and professionalism.

If you would like some further information or to speak to a member of our team please call us on: Hitchin 01462 420077 or Luton 01582 579687, alternatively e-mail us at: hitchin@healesclinics.com or luton@healesclinics.com