Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy, also known as ‘Trigger Point Therapy,’ refers to the treatment of myofascial trigger points (MTrP) or ‘trigger points’ (TrP) that are found in muscles and fascia. This treatment can be small or large part of a standard Remedial Massage appointment.
Myofascial trigger points are painful, tense areas that are found in muscles. MTrPs affect muscles and fascia. Myofascial trigger points can be found anywhere on the body and are one of the most common causes for chronic musculoskeletal pain, also known as myofascial pain. There are two primary methods for treating trigger points, Manual Trigger Point Therapy and Dry Needling.
Benefits go beyond pain relief, they include:
- Increased flexibility
- Improved circulation
- Greater range of motion
- Reduced stiffness and muscle tension
What are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are small contraction knots in the muscles. They can also appear in areas such as tendons, ligaments, skin and scar tissue. Trigger points are very tender or tense, and often the starting point for certain types of pain. There are two types of trigger points, active trigger points and latent trigger points. Active trigger points can cause pain elsewhere in the body, as well as muscle spasms. The pain can occur even without pressure being applied. Latent trigger points respond to pressure in the area of the trigger point. Latent trigger points are considered to be one of the causes of stiff joints, and restrictions in the range of motion as we age.
What Happens during Trigger Point Massage Therapy?
The remedial massage therapist pinpoints the pain the client is experiencing and then identifies the trigger points that are causing it. They resolve the trigger point by applying pressure, then re-educate the muscle through stretching and other means so that the problem doesn’t simply return.
This style of massage is quite different from Acupressure. Acupressure involves putting pressure on points where there are concentrations of energy, or where the body’s energy pathways are blocked. Trigger points are physical and can be felt by touch.
Trigger Point Therapy is sometimes combined with Sports Massage or other techniques as part of a Remedial Massage appointment.
What Conditions Can Trigger Point Therapy Help With?
Trigger Point Massage is especially useful for the following conditions:
- Chronic sports injuries
- Headaches
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- TMJ disorder
- Neck and jaw pain
- Stress and fatigue
- Arthritis
- Recovery from accidents or other trauma
- Bursitis or tendonitis
To find out more about Trigger Point Massage or to book a Remedial Massage appointment, you can call Centre 4 Health on 9193 2170 or book an online appointment here.
