Trigger points are sore, painful spots that occur in a muscle – most people refer to them as “knots”. Trigger points can develop over time through muscle strain (repetitive movements), postural strain (standing/sitting improperly for long periods), emotional stress, anxiety, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, and inflammation.
Trigger points may cause a shortening of the muscle fibers, and have a special property called referral pain, which creates distress in another muscle of the body. An example is when the muscle at the top of your shoulder has a trigger point; it will refer pain up the side of your neck and head causing a headache.
Trigger point therapy is accomplished by relaxing the contracted muscles. By applying finger pressure on each trigger point we aim to prevent cycles of muscle pain and spasms. This also increases circulation and lymphatic drainage, while stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and overlying fascia.
What ailments can TPrT be used for?
Back pain
Headaches
Neck pain
Rotator cuff (shoulder) pain
Jaw pain (TMJD)
Tennis elbow
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Hand and arm pain
Repetitive strain injuries
Pelvic pain
Hip pain
Sciatica
Leg and knee pain
Plantar fasciitis (foot) pain
Tendinitis/tendinopathy
Bursitis, arthritis
Disc pain (bulge/rupture/herniation) and radiculopathy
Frozen shoulder
Fibromyalgia
It is common for patients to experience some soreness for one to two days after treatment.