Trigger Point Therapy, What is it?

What is Trigger Point Therapy?

My first experience with Trigger Point Therapy was shortly after I was working as a massage therapist.  In school, they introduced it a little, but not extensive since there are so many different types of massage techniques.  It caught my attention because I sensed it was a powerful therapy.  After some time I met a massage therapist that used Bonnie Prudden’s Way in Pain Erasure.  This therapist used it for her clients and specialized in Fibromyalgia.  She could use it for any chronic pain.  She shared with me that her clients were referred to her by a doctor for those people who did not, or could not take medication.  This technique had a 92% marked improvement within 2 weeks, and most were out of pain in 6-8 weeks, depending on how well they did their homework. Their homework was to perform specific movements 4 times a day. She taught me how to work and use this method and it has served my patients very well.

How is Trigger Point Therapy Performed?

Trigger Point Therapy, also known as Myofacial Release, is releasing the muscle where there is pain, through pressure applied to the muscle tissue. This needs to be applied when the person is relaxed and not in a contracted muscle situation. The patient then stretches or elongates the tissue that is released.

During a release therapy, the therapist will find areas in the muscles that are painful to pressure. If you have to cringe thru this pressure, it’s too much.  We want the pain level to be just shy of a cringe. We will then hold that point for 7- 10 seconds and then release.

These areas restrict muscle and joint movements and contribute to muscles pain that is widespread.

This technique will release the muscles and knots and let the flow of blood, and connective tissue (fascia) unlock the facets of restrictive movement, allowing the results to be less pain and better movement.

Where is Trigger Point Therapy Effective?

So, in short, a trigger point is any area in the muscle that, when pressure is applied, will cause pain. Classic areas that are prone to trigger points are in your shoulder muscles where everyone carries their stress, in your calf muscles, and also on your hips.  However, a trigger point can be in any area where there is a muscle.  You can check these areas yourself to see if there is a problem, by pressing in with your fingertips into the muscle itself.  If there is pain, then you have trigger points.  Stretching your muscle while under pressure is a great way to get temporary relief.  For long lasting relief, schedule an appointment with us.  We have years of experience that has helped many people get long lasting relief from their trigger point pains.

Your therapist, Debbie McCall, LMT