We Accept And File Health Insurance for PPO Policies. Click Here for Free, No Obligation Verification of Your Health Insurance Benefits Before Your First Visit.

Review the latest information on our safety procedures at our COVID-19 Resource Center
  • 773-878-7330

  • SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
  • Contact
  • |
  • Blog
  • |
  • Our Team
  • |
  • About Us
  • Chiropractic
    ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC
    • Chiropractic Care for Pain Management
    • Chiropractic During Pregnancy
    • Chiropractor for Kids
    • Chiropractic for Sports and Fitness
    CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES
    • Spinal Adjustments
    • Extremity Adjustments
    • Spinal Decompression Therapy
    • Radial Shockwave Therapy
    • Selective Functional Movement Assessment
    ABOUT CUSTOM FOOT ORTHOTICS
    • Orthotics for Sports Performance
    • Orthotics During Pregnancy
    • Orthotics for Children
  • Physical Therapy
    Our Physical Therapy Program
    Personal Training
    Ultrasound
    Electrotherapy
    Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facillitation
    Active Release Technique
  • Acupuncture
    What is Acupuncture
    Traditional Chinese Medicine
    Acupressure
    Eastern Nutrition
    Trigger Point Dry Needling
    Cupping
    Gua Sha
    Moxibustion Therapy
    ElectroAcupuncture
    Auricular Acupuncture
    Five Element Acupuncture
  • Massage Therapy
    Swedish Massage
    Deep Tissue Massage
    Sports Massage
    Lymphatic Drainage
    Prenatal Massage
    Myofascial Release
    Trigger Point Massage
  • Functional Medicine
    How Can Functional Medicine Help Me?
    Blood Tests
    Food Sensitivity Testing
    Functional Medicine Detox Program
  • CONDITIONS
    PHYSICAL MEDICINE
    • HEADACHE
    • BACK PAIN
    • NECK PAIN
    • WHIPLASH
    • HERNIATION DISC
    • SPINAL STENOSIS
    • SCIATICA
    • DISC INJURY
    • PINCHED NERVE
    • NUMBNESS AND TINGLING
    • NERVE ENTRAPMENT
    • SPRAINS / STRAINS
    • JOINT PAIN
    • ARTHRITIS
    • BURSITIS
    • TENDONITIS
    PHYSICAL MEDICINE
    • TMJD
    • SHOULDER PAIN
    • ELBOW PAIN
    • WRIST PAIN
    • CARPAL TUNNEL
    • LEG PAIN
    • HIP + THIGH PAIN
    • KNEE PAIN
    • FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN
    • PLANTAR FASCIITIS
    • MORTON’S NEUROMA
    INTERNAL MEDICINE
    • INSOMNIA
    • FATIGUE
    • DIGESTIVE ISSUES
    • FIBROMYALGIA
    • BRONCHITIS
    • ASTHMA
    • ALLERGIES
    • FOOD SENSITIVITIES
    • LUPUS
    • KIDNEY DISEASE
    • INCONTINENCE
    • FREQUENT URINATION
    • ECZEMA
    • SHINGLES
    • HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
    INTERNAL MEDICINE
    • DEPRESSION
    • ADDICTION
    • ANXIETY
    • STRESS
    • SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
    • PTSD + CPTSD
    • MEN’S FERTILITY
    • MEN’S HEALTH + VITALITY
    • FERTILITY WOMEN
    • PMS | PMDD
    • MENOPAUSE
    • ENDOMETRIOSIS
  • PATIENTS
    OFFICE INFORMATION
    • SCHEDULE YOUR VISITS
    • WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR First APPOITMENT
    • PARKING AND DIRECTIONS
    • GENERAL FAQ
    • COVID MITIGATION
    • HIPPA PRIVACY POLICY
    • TELEHEALTH
    • FIND A PROVIDER
    FINANCIAL BILLING
    • PRE-VERIFY YOUR INSURANCE
    • INSURANCE FAQ
    • CARE CREDIT
    • FREE CONSULTATIONS
    • THIS MONTH’S SPECIALS
    • ABOUT YOUR STATEMENT
    RESOURCES
    • HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
    • COMMUNITY RESOURCES
    • WELLNESS TIPS SIGN UP
    • BLOG
  • SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

Trigger Point Therapy | Massage | Ravenswood Chiropractic

Request appointmentRequest appointment


Massage Therapy


Trigger Point Therapy Massage

Have you ever felt a painful “knot” in a muscle, especially in tight muscles?  These tender, painful spots are known as trigger points and they can be difficult to ignore.  Indeed, you shouldn’t write off these pains as general soreness that comes with a hard days work.  Some trigger points, if left untreated, can cause muscle weakness and even reduce your range of motion.





There are two types of trigger points: active trigger points and latent trigger points.  Active trigger points may radiate pain to other areas of the body.  Latent trigger points don’t radiate pain and usually aren’t painful unless pressure is applied to them.

Pain radiating from active trigger points is usually constant and often described as a dull, deep ache.  Many of our patients report a heavy, numb feeling as well.  Sometimes the pain radiating from active trigger points isn’t constant, but only radiates during rest or movement.  Depending on the severity of the injury to the muscle, trigger points can be minor irritations or sources of severe, debilitating pain. Active trigger points can also weaken your muscles and restrict your range of motion.

Because trigger points are soft tissue injuries, they won’t show up in X-rays, MRIs, or other scans.  They must be diagnosed with an exam by a skilled healthcare professional.

Here at Ravenswood Chiropractic in Andersonville, our massage therapists are trained and experienced in trigger point therapy and have helped many patients in Chicago find relief from their trigger point pain.

The History of Trigger Point Therapy

The term “myofascial trigger point” was first coined in 1942 by Janet Travell, MD.  Travell — along with her research co-author David Simons, MD — is seen as the original definitive authority on trigger point and myofascial research.  Travell and Simons provided the most extensive collection of clinical research on the subject of trigger point therapy in Western Medicine.  But the subject of trigger point therapy had been studied by others for years beforehand, even if it didn’t have a name.  For example, in Chinese Medicine, trigger point therapy provided the basis for acupressure and “dry needling” acupuncture techniques.

Where Do Trigger Points Come From?

When muscles sense that they are in danger of being stretched out too far or too quickly, they will contract to protect themselves.  When these contractions lead to a cycle of muscle spasms, trigger points can develop.  Trigger points can cause blood and oxygen to be reduced or cut off to the affected area, leading to metabolic problems.  While this sounds serious, trigger points are quite common.  Many people will experience trigger point pain, resulting from sports injuries, accidents, surgical scars, repetitive actions, poor posture, and even certain vitamin deficiencies.

So How Can You Get Rid Of Trigger Points?

Minor trigger points can be remedied by relaxing in a hot bath and soothing the overworked muscles.  But when the trigger points reoccur due to another underlying cause, you can seek treatment from professionals, like the experienced massage therapists at Ravenswood Chiropractic in Andersonville.

What to Expect From Trigger Point Therapy

Our massage therapists will use gentle pressure on your trigger points to allow them to relax and release, thus breaking the cycle of spasms.  While the pressure is applied for a few seconds, you may feel a soreness at the trigger point.  This soreness will soon decrease once the pressure is released, however, and the pain in the area will begin to subside.  The therapist may work on the same trigger point a few different times during one session.  Our massage therapists are experts at determining the precise amount of pressure and duration to use based on the feedback from your muscles as well as your verbal feedback.  Trigger point therapy is not the same as a relaxing spa massage.  In can, in fact, be painful at times.  But it is important to remember that trigger point therapy is designed to ultimately resolve the underlying condition causing pain.

Depending upon your personal situation, your therapist may determine that additional massage therapies should be used in conjunction with trigger point therapy.  In addition to massage therapy, we may also use ultrasound therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to address patients’ trigger points.  It is usually best to determine the underlying cause and treat it early as it is easiest to treat problems when they are small ones before they become big and more difficult to treat.  To this end, we also work to treat the underlying cause of the trigger points and then map out a plan for long-term treatment.  All sessions will end with stretching the muscles to encourage relaxation.

Attend Our Free Couple Massage Trigger Point Therapy Workshop

We also offer couples massage trigger point therapy workshops throughout the year.  We encourage you to bring your spouse, friend, or family member to one of these workshops.  This is a great way to help your friend or partner to identify trigger points and help each other to resolve them between visits to our office.

Could You Benefit From Trigger Point Therapy?

There is more to trigger point therapy than just relieving pain at the trigger points.  Massage therapy targeting trigger points can also help increase flexibility, range of motion, and muscle coordination by removing muscle spasms from the equation.

If you suffer from any of the following conditions, trigger point therapy may be helpful for you:

  • Back Pain
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Headaches
  • Neck Pain
  • Tinnitus
  • TMJ Pain

Call Us Today at 773.878.7330

to schedule a Trigger Point evaluation or a Trigger Point Therapy Session with one of our highly experienced massage therapists.



Also Related…



Swedish Massage

Designed to aid in relaxation, Swedish massage is the most popular form of massage in the country.


Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage employs slower strokes and deep finger pressure to help release tension in the body.


Sports Massage

Whether you are a serious athlete or an enthusiastic amateur, sports massage can help improve your performance and quicken your injury recovery time.


Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps to expel toxins and germs from the lymph nodes and lymphatic system to aid in detoxification.


Prenatal Massage

Pregnancy massage helps o relax tired and cramping muscles as well as ease pain during labor.


Myofascial Release

The connective tissue surrounding your muscles (fascia) sometimes adhere to the muscles, reducing range of motion.  Myofasical release massage helps remedy this condition.

  • Conditions
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Careers
  • Contact Us

logo

MON:Closed

TUE:11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

WED:11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

THU:11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

FRI:9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

SAT:9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

SUN:Closed

5215 N. Ravenswood Ave • Suite 105
Chicago, IL 60640

773.878.7330

    Please fill out the form below and we will contact you within 1 business day. If you have a contact method preference or anything else you’d like us to know before we get back to you please do so in the comments section below. We look forward to the opportunity of serving you.






    … Or call and speak directly to one of our expert team members today
    773.878.7330
    x
    SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
    • home-facebookhome-facebook-hover
    • home-googlehome-google-hover
    • home-youtubehome-youtube-hover
    • home-yelp home-yelp-hover

    Locations Served

    • Andersonville
    • Lincoln Square
    • Edgewater
    • Skokie
    • Evanston
    • Chicago
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Exercise Disclaimer
    • Medical Health Disclaimer
    • Privacy Statement
    • Good Faith Estimate
    • Covid-19

    © RennWellness 2023 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

    • Chiropractic
      • ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC
        • Chiropractic Care for Pain Management
        • Chiropractic During Pregnancy
        • Chiropractor for Kids
        • Chiropractic for Sports and Fitness
      • CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES
        • Spinal Adjustments
        • Extremity Adjustments
        • Spinal Decompression Therapy
        • Radial Shockwave Therapy
        • Selective Functional Movement Assessment
      • ABOUT CUSTOM FOOT ORTHOTICS
        • Orthotics for Sports Performance
        • Orthotics During Pregnancy
        • Orthotics for Children
    • Physical Therapy
      • Our Physical Therapy Program
      • Personal Training
      • Ultrasound
      • Electrotherapy
      • Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facillitation
      • Active Release Technique
    • Acupuncture
      • What is Acupuncture
      • Traditional Chinese Medicine
      • Acupressure
      • Eastern Nutrition
      • Trigger Point Dry Needling
      • Cupping
      • Gua Sha
      • Moxibustion Therapy
      • ElectroAcupuncture
      • Auricular Acupuncture
      • Five Element Acupuncture
    • Massage Therapy
      • Swedish Massage
      • Deep Tissue Massage
      • Sports Massage
      • Lymphatic Drainage
      • Prenatal Massage
      • Myofascial Release
      • Trigger Point Massage
    • Functional Medicine
      • How Can Functional Medicine Help Me?
      • Blood Tests
      • Food Sensitivity Testing
      • Functional Medicine Detox Program
    • CONDITIONS
      • PHYSICAL MEDICINE
        • HEADACHE
        • BACK PAIN
        • NECK PAIN
        • WHIPLASH
        • HERNIATION DISC
        • SPINAL STENOSIS
        • SCIATICA
        • DISC INJURY
        • PINCHED NERVE
        • NUMBNESS AND TINGLING
        • NERVE ENTRAPMENT
        • SPRAINS / STRAINS
        • JOINT PAIN
        • ARTHRITIS
        • BURSITIS
        • TENDONITIS
      • PHYSICAL MEDICINE
        • TMJD
        • SHOULDER PAIN
        • ELBOW PAIN
        • WRIST PAIN
        • CARPAL TUNNEL
        • LEG PAIN
        • HIP + THIGH PAIN
        • KNEE PAIN
        • FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN
        • PLANTAR FASCIITIS
        • MORTON’S NEUROMA
      • INTERNAL MEDICINE
        • INSOMNIA
        • FATIGUE
        • DIGESTIVE ISSUES
        • FIBROMYALGIA
        • BRONCHITIS
        • ASTHMA
        • ALLERGIES
        • FOOD SENSITIVITIES
        • LUPUS
        • KIDNEY DISEASE
        • INCONTINENCE
        • FREQUENT URINATION
        • ECZEMA
        • SHINGLES
        • HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
      • INTERNAL MEDICINE
        • DEPRESSION
        • ADDICTION
        • ANXIETY
        • STRESS
        • SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
        • PTSD + CPTSD
        • MEN’S FERTILITY
        • MEN’S HEALTH + VITALITY
        • FERTILITY WOMEN
        • PMS | PMDD
        • MENOPAUSE
        • ENDOMETRIOSIS
    • PATIENTS
      • OFFICE INFORMATION
        • SCHEDULE YOUR VISITS
        • WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR First APPOITMENT
        • PARKING AND DIRECTIONS
        • GENERAL FAQ
        • COVID MITIGATION
        • HIPPA PRIVACY POLICY
        • TELEHEALTH
        • FIND A PROVIDER
      • FINANCIAL BILLING
        • PRE-VERIFY YOUR INSURANCE
        • INSURANCE FAQ
        • CARE CREDIT
        • FREE CONSULTATIONS
        • THIS MONTH’S SPECIALS
        • ABOUT YOUR STATEMENT
      • RESOURCES
        • HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
        • COMMUNITY RESOURCES
        • WELLNESS TIPS SIGN UP
        • BLOG
    • SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT