Trigger Point Therapy Massage

Trigger points (also called muscle “knots”) are tender areas you can feel in your muscles. They are usually found in tight muscles.

Types of Trigger points
Some trigger points may radiate, or refer pain to other areas of the body. These trigger points can cause muscle weakness and restrict range of motion. These are called Active Trigger Points.

Trigger Points that do not refer pain to other areas of the body and are painful only under pressure are called Latent Trigger Points.

Causes of Trigger points
Trigger points are caused by muscle spasms that may be initiated by a number of causes, including direct trauma, exposure to cold, and overuse of a muscle group (this can include stress induced muscle tension).

Sometimes, when the muscle spasms recur, they cut off more oxygen and blood supply to the affected area which causes the muscle spasm to recur again (a cycle).

Treatment of Trigger points
Trigger points can be effectively treated by your massage therapist. The therapist will apply gentle pressure to the trigger point causing it to relax and release (breaking the cycle). The pressure is applied for several seconds and may feel sore, however, this will subside when the pressure is released and the area feels better.

The same trigger point may be worked on several times during a session. At the end of the session the muscles are stretched to promote relaxation.