Trigger Point Therapy

What is Trigger Point Therapy?

Trigger point therapy is a specialised technique that focuses on identifying and releasing myofascial trigger points—hyperirritable spots within taut bands of muscle that cause pain locally and in referred patterns throughout the body.

These "knots" form due to muscle overuse, injury, stress, or poor posture. What makes trigger points unique is their ability to cause pain in seemingly unrelated areas. For example, a trigger point in the shoulder can cause headaches, while one in the hip can create pain down the leg.

Understanding Trigger Points

• Active trigger points - Cause pain at rest and when pressed
• Latent trigger points - Only painful when pressed, but can become active
• Referred pain - Pain felt in a different location from the trigger point
• Satellite trigger points - Develop in muscles within the referral zone

Trigger points feel like small, tight nodules within the muscle. When pressed, they typically reproduce your familiar pain pattern, confirming the source.

Common Trigger Point Patterns

• Upper trapezius - Causes tension headaches and neck pain
• Levator scapulae - Creates stiff neck and shoulder blade pain
• Infraspinatus - Refers pain down the arm, mimicking nerve issues
• Gluteus medius - Causes lower back and hip pain
• Piriformis - Creates sciatica-like symptoms
• Quadratus lumborum - Major source of lower back pain
• Sternocleidomastoid - Can cause dizziness, ear pain, and headaches

Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy

• Effective pain relief - Addresses the source, not just symptoms
• Restored range of motion - Releases muscle restrictions
• Headache reduction - Many headaches originate from trigger points
• Improved posture - Releases muscles pulling body out of alignment
• Better muscle function - Restores normal muscle length and strength
• Long-lasting results - Treats underlying cause of pain
• Reduced need for medication - Natural pain management approach

Treatment Techniques

• Sustained pressure - Direct pressure held for 30-90 seconds until release
• Ischemic compression - Gradual pressure increase followed by release
• Positional release - Moving the body to shorten the muscle
• Spray and stretch - Using cooling spray with muscle stretching
• Dry needling - Inserting thin needles (performed by qualified practitioners)
• Muscle energy techniques - Active movement with resistance

What to Expect During Treatment

• Discussion of your pain patterns and history
• Palpation to locate trigger points
• Pressure applied to trigger points—may be uncomfortable but should be tolerable
• "Good pain" that feels productive and therapeutic
• Referred pain patterns may be reproduced during treatment
• Stretching and movement work following release
• Some soreness for 24-48 hours after treatment is normal
• Drink plenty of water and apply heat after treatment

Self-Care Between Sessions

• Use a tennis ball or foam roller on accessible trigger points
• Apply heat to relax tight muscles
• Stretch affected muscles gently and regularly
• Address postural habits that contribute to trigger points
• Stay hydrated and manage stress
• Take regular breaks from repetitive activities