Trigger Point Therapy

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The Ultimate Guide to Trigger Point Therapy: Everything You Need to Know

Trigger Point Therapy is a form of manual therapy that is designed to alleviate pain and discomfort in specific areas of the body. This therapy is based on the principle that pain in one area of the body can often be referred from an underlying trigger point, or muscle knot, in a different area. By applying pressure to these trigger points, the therapist is able to release the tension and reduce the pain in the affected area.

The Ultimate Guide to Trigger Point Therapy

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This appointment is your opportunity to tell us what hurts and discover whether trigger point therapy is a good fit for you! During this session, you will talk with a massage therapist on a phone call (or online) and create the right care plan specifically for your pain. There is no obligation, this session is only to find out if trigger point therapy can help you getting back to doing the things you love in life.

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The Ultimate Guide To Trigger Point Therapy

What are Trigger Points?

A trigger point is often referred to as a “knot” and defined as a tight band of muscle fibers that can cause pain, discomfort, and reduced range of motion. These knots can cause pain in the affected muscle, as well as referred pain to other parts of the body. Trigger points can develop in any muscle in the body, but are most commonly found in the neck, shoulders, and back.

When pressure is applied to a trigger point, it can feel like a tight knot, which is why it is often referred to as such.

The formation of trigger points can be caused by a number of factors, including injury, overuse, poor posture, and stress. If left untreated, trigger points can lead to chronic pain and decreased mobility.

Treatments for trigger points, such as trigger point therapy and massage, aim to release the tension in the affected muscle fibers and reduce pain and discomfort. Regular stretching, exercise, and self-massage can also help to maintain the benefits of trigger point therapy and prevent the formation of new trigger points.

How Does Trigger Point Therapy Work?

The therapist begins by assessing the affected area to identify any trigger points. Once the trigger points have been located, the therapist will use their hands, fingers, or tools to apply pressure to the affected muscle fibers. This pressure will help to release the tension and reduce the pain in the affected area. The therapist may also stretch the affected muscle to help relieve any tightness.

When a trigger point is released, the tension in the affected muscle fibers is reduced, which leads to a decrease in pain and discomfort. This occurs because the pressure applied to the trigger point helps to break up the tight knot of muscle fibers, which then allows for improved circulation and oxygenation in the affected area. 

This improved circulation and oxygenation helps to reduce inflammation, which can further reduce pain and discomfort. Additionally, the release of tension in the muscle fibers can help to improve flexibility and range of motion in the affected area, leading to more comfortable and functional movement patterns.

Soft Tissue Release benefits courtesy of Vitality Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre. (Read the caption)

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Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy has a number of benefits, including:

Pain relief: Trigger Point Therapy can help to relieve pain in specific areas of the body, such as the neck, shoulders, back, and legs.

Improved flexibility: By releasing tension in the affected muscles, Trigger Point Therapy can help to improve flexibility and range of motion, leading to better overall function and reduced risk of injury.

Stress relief: The pressure applied during Trigger Point Therapy can help to reduce stress and tension in the affected muscles, leading to improved overall well-being and reduced stress levels.

Improved circulation: Trigger Point Therapy helps to improve circulation in the affected area, leading to better oxygenation and reduced inflammation.

Improved sleep: By reducing pain and tension in the body, Trigger Point Therapy can help to improve sleep quality, leading to better overall health and well-being.

Improved athletic performance: By reducing pain and tension in the affected muscles, Trigger Point Therapy can help to improve athletic performance, leading to improved function and reduced risk of injury.

Reduced headaches: Trigger Point Therapy can help to reduce tension in the neck and shoulders, which can lead to reduced headaches and improved overall well-being.

While Trigger Point Therapy is safe and effective for most people, there are some contraindications that should be taken into consideration. These include:

  • Infections or skin conditions in the affected area
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Open wounds in the affected area
  • Certain types of cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • Preparation for Trigger Point Therapy

Before undergoing Trigger Point Therapy, it is important to inform the therapist of any medical conditions or medications that you are taking. It is also important to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to allow for easy access to the affected area.

Benefits of massage therapy courtesy of Rebound Sport and Spine. (Read the caption)

What Is the Best Treatment for Trigger Points?

The best treatment for trigger points depends on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. Some common treatments for trigger points include:

Trigger Point Therapy: This type of manual therapy involves the application of pressure to the affected muscle fibers to release tension and reduce pain.

Stretching: Gentle stretching can help to improve flexibility and range of motion in the affected area, which can help to reduce pain and discomfort.

Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can help to increase circulation, reduce tension, and relieve pain in the affected area.

Dry Needling: This type of therapy involves the use of thin needles to stimulate the affected muscle fibers and release tension.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected area, leading to reduced pain and discomfort.

In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be necessary to effectively treat trigger points. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment for your specific needs.

How Long Do Trigger Points Take to Release?

The length of time it takes for trigger points to release can vary based on a number of factors, including the severity of the trigger point, the individual’s overall health and well-being, and the type of treatment being used. In some cases, a single session of trigger point therapy or manual therapy can result in significant improvement, while in other cases, multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired result.

In general, most people report significant improvement after 2-6 sessions of trigger point therapy, although this can vary based on the individual. It is also important to note that the release of a trigger point is not always immediate, and that some discomfort or pain may persist after the initial treatment. However, with continued therapy, most people experience a reduction in pain and improved mobility over time.

How Often Should You Do Trigger Point Therapy?

The frequency of trigger point therapy can vary based on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. In general, it is recommended to receive trigger point therapy every 1-2 weeks, although this can vary based on the individual.

If you are experiencing chronic pain or discomfort, it may be necessary to receive trigger point therapy more frequently, such as every week, until the symptoms have improved. After this, you may be able to reduce the frequency of treatments, to every 4-6 weeks, or as needed.

It is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best frequency of treatment for your specific needs. They can help to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Additionally, incorporating regular stretching, exercise, and self-massage can help to maintain the benefits of trigger point therapy between appointments.

Does Releasing Trigger Points Hurt?

Releasing trigger points can cause some discomfort or pain, but it is typically short-lived and manageable. During the process of releasing a trigger point, the therapist will apply pressure to the affected muscle fibers. This pressure can cause a slight discomfort or pain, but it should be tolerable and should not cause lasting harm. In some cases, the release of a trigger point can cause a release of tension that leads to a sensation of relaxation and relief from pain. After the treatment, some people may experience mild soreness or tenderness in the affected area, but this should resolve within a few days. If you experience any significant pain or discomfort during or after the treatment, it is important to inform the therapist and to seek medical attention if necessary.

Should You Ice or Heat for Trigger Points?

The use of ice or heat for trigger points can depend on the individual and the stage of healing for their condition. In general, it is recommended to use:

Ice: If the trigger point is inflamed or causing acute pain, ice can help to reduce swelling and numb the area, providing temporary pain relief.

Heat: If the trigger point is tight and causing chronic discomfort, heat can help to increase blood flow to the area, promoting relaxation and reducing pain.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs, as well as to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

It is also important to use heat or ice appropriately and with caution, as improper use can cause further damage or discomfort. For example, applying heat to an inflamed area can increase swelling, while applying ice for an extended period of time can damage skin or nerves. A healthcare professional can help to provide guidance on the proper use of heat and ice for trigger points.

What Causes Trigger Points to Flare Up?

Trigger points can flare up due to a variety of factors, including:

Physical stress: Repetitive motions, overuse, and injury can all cause physical stress to the muscles, leading to the formation or worsening of trigger points.

Poor posture: Sitting or standing for extended periods of time, as well as poor posture, can put excessive stress on certain muscles and trigger points.

Emotional stress: Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to muscle tension and trigger points.

Dehydration: Dehydration can cause the muscles to tighten, leading to trigger points and discomfort.

Lack of sleep: Insufficient sleep can cause muscle fatigue and trigger points.

Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of essential vitamins and minerals can lead to muscle weakness and trigger points.

Cold weather: Cold weather can cause the muscles to tighten and trigger points to flare up.

It is important to address the underlying causes of trigger point flare-ups, as well as to seek treatment for the trigger points themselves, in order to reduce pain and improve overall health and well-being. This may involve lifestyle changes, such as improving posture, reducing stress, and increasing physical activity, as well as seeking medical treatment, such as trigger point therapy or massage.

What Happens if Trigger Points Go Untreated?

If trigger points go untreated, they can lead to a range of negative consequences, including:

Chronic pain: Untreated trigger points can cause pain and discomfort to persist, leading to chronic pain and a decreased quality of life.

Decreased range of motion: Over time, trigger points can lead to muscle tightness and reduced flexibility, which can limit range of motion and make it difficult to perform daily activities.

Increased risk of injury: Untreated trigger points can increase the risk of injury, as they can lead to a weakened or imbalanced muscles, making them more vulnerable to strain or tear.

Sleep disturbances: Chronic pain from trigger points can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, leading to fatigue and decreased overall health.

Decreased athletic performance: If trigger points go untreated, they can limit range of motion and strength, which can negatively impact athletic performance.

It is important to seek treatment for trigger points as soon as possible to avoid these negative consequences. A healthcare professional can help to diagnose and treat trigger points, helping to reduce pain, improve mobility, and improve overall quality of life. 

In conclusion, Trigger Point Therapy is a safe and effective form of manual therapy that can help to relieve pain and discomfort in specific areas of the body. By targeting trigger points, the therapist is able to release tension and reduce pain, resulting in improved flexibility and range of motion, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved sleep. If you are interested in Trigger Point Therapy, be sure to find a qualified therapist who has experience in this type of therapy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

While stretching can help to reduce muscle tension and relieve pain, it is possible for stretching to make trigger points worse. This can occur if the stretch is performed too aggressively or if the affected muscle is already in a state of tension.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best stretching exercises for your specific needs and to perform them appropriately, taking care not to exacerbate trigger points.

With appropriate treatment, trigger points can resolve and go away. This may involve trigger point therapy, massage, and/or self-massage, as well as lifestyle changes, such as improving posture, reducing stress, and increasing physical activity.

It is important to address the underlying causes of trigger points, as well as to seek treatment for the trigger points themselves, in order to reduce pain and improve overall health and well-being.

The length of time it takes for trigger point massage to work can vary based on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. Some people may experience relief from trigger point pain after just one session, while others may require multiple treatments over a period of time.

It is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs, as well as to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Regular trigger point massage can help to maintain the benefits of treatment and prevent the formation of new trigger points.

About Taylor Sipos

Taylor is a physiotherapist at The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic located in Toronto, Ontario. He treats patients with various musculoskeletal conditions using patient education, exercise therapy, manual therapy and acupuncture. His treatment philosophy involves giving his patient’s the means to self-manage their injuries. He does this through reassurance, education and health promotion. Taylor uses the same principles as a patient educator at Pain Hero. He aims to provide you with high-quality, easy to understand information to teach you about your condition and how to improve it.

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Trigger Point Therapy is one of several possible methods for relieving pain that do not rely on prescription medications and all the side effects and baggage they come with. Not to mention that most drugs can only mask pain, but rarely address root causes. Find a clinic if you are suffering from muscle tightness, soreness, or pain to improve your quality of life, today.