Trigger point therapy is an alternative form of medicine that focuses on identifying and releasing trigger points which are located in the skeletal muscle. These trigger points which when compressed produce pain and in most cases are a result of injury or trauma to the muscle fibers. Trigger point therapy which is also known as myofascial trigger point therapy or neuromuscular therapy is commonly used in treatment of pain-related conditions which include headaches, lower back pain, and temporomandibular joint pain. Trigger point therapy can also help in alleviating conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, osteoarthritis, tinnitus, and pain caused by sports injuries.
What are Trigger Points?
Trigger points occur anytime there is injury or trauma to the muscle, or strain to the muscle tissue caused by repetitive movements of the body such as while working at the computer for long hours without breaks, from playing, and or from emotional stress, inflammation, anxiety, exposure to toxins in the environment, allergies, and nutritional deficiencies. Any of these can start a trigger point which if ignored can lead to pain and suffering for life.
Why you should not Ignore Trigger Points?
The muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints are always working and under stress or strain with any activity we perform. And while physical activity is important for building strength and flexibility, it can also lead to postural damage and restricted blood flow which in turn gives rise to pain signals. If you are experiencing lingering pain, or if you feel a level of tightness or restriction with certain movements, you very well could be experiencing the effects of a trigger point.
Why Trigger Point Therapy is so important in Treatment of Pain?
Trigger points will not disappear if you superficially massage or rub the surface of the skin. What is really required and what really works is systematic and deep sustained pressure to the trigger points. Once the practitioner starts compressing the trigger point, the body will respond by relaxing of the soft tissue. This allows and frees the flow of blood to the muscles. When the muscle is pumped with blood the spasms reduce and the traumatized tissue is effectively cured. This kind of therapy also helps in eliminating the build-up of toxic metabolic waste. In addition to relaxing the muscle, the very motions of a massage can help in alleviating pain signals as the brain relaxes. When this happens your neuromuscular system starts to gets back on track.
Trigger Point Therapy at Sean’s Massage Center
The massage professionals at Sean’s Massage Center spend years in training and are highly experienced in the art of trigger-point massage therapy. Understanding the cause of the trigger point is one of the primary tasks of the practitioners. One of the most commonly used techniques in this form of healing is the application of pressure to the knotted muscle directly. This area is then kneaded to increase the blood flow to the affected area and to release the knotted muscle tissue. The number of sessions depends on the gravity of the situation and the pain. While some people will find relief after a single session, others might require multiple sessions.
Visit our Trigger Point Therapy page to know more about and how it can help you relieve pain.