Trigger Point Therapy
A form of Remedial Massage Therapy
Trigger Point Therapy is a form of Remedial Massage Therapy in which direct pressure is applied to specified points on tender muscle tissue to bring about reduction in muscle tension and pain relief.
Each muscle has potential trigger points which can become activated by muscle overuse, inflammation, trauma, electrolyte imbalances, infections and nerve pain. These trigger points can cause pain over the muscle affected or refer pain and thus be felt in another area of the body. Other trigger points are only felt when the muscle is directly palpated by the therapist.
How can Trigger Point Therapy help you?
Trigger Point Therapy is for almost everyone. Muscles with active trigger points are always weaker than normal muscles and unable to move through their full range of motion. Often because they are unable to perform their normal function, other muscles are recruited to perform the activity of the compromised muscle. These secondary muscles can go on to develop trigger points themselves if the original muscle is not treated.
The taut bands of muscle that accompany trigger points are often easily identified on palpation and pain can quickly be minimized with sustained compression on the affected tissue for 30 to 90 seconds. Some discomfort may be experienced when the compression is applied but I will position the muscle to minimize the discomfort until such time it subsides completely. You will usually receive home exercises to perform to assist with the restoration of function.
What conditions does Trigger Point Therapy help?
Trigger Point Therapy is very useful in the relief of:
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Knee Pain
- Sciatica
- Headaches
- Muscle Pain
- Joint Pain