A trigger point is a tight area within muscle tissue that causes pain in other parts of the body.
Trigger point massage focuses on releasing trigger points, which are small, tight knots that develop in muscles that may even cause pain in other areas of the body (an effect known as “referral pain”). Trigger point massage incorporates other therapeutic massage techniques from acupressure or myofascial release therapy, among others, depending on the therapist’s background. Trigger point massage involves a more targeted approach focused directly on releasing painful trigger points, so the sessions are meant to be more therapeutic and results-oriented than luxurious or relaxing.
Trigger point massages involve applying direct pressure to trigger points, which can be uncomfortable or painful at first (of course, your therapist will talk to you throught the session to make sure they don’t use too much pressure). Each pain point may be pressed, massage, and stretched, sometimes requiring you to actively participate in stretching or other movements.
The sessions are meant to treat pain and tight muscles, and won’t be relaxing the same way as a Swedish massage would be, for example. But, you will likely leave feeling loose and refreshed. It’s common to remain fully clothed for the session, and you’ll want to drink plenty of water following your massage. Your therapist may additionally recommend followup exercises and stretches for you to do on your own, which can help relieve recurring trigger points.
A trigger point in the back, for example, may produce referral pain in the neck. The neck, now acting as a satellite trigger point, may then cause pain in the head. The pain may be sharp and intense or a dull ache. Trigger point massage therapy is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. In this type of massage for trigger point therapy, the recipient actively participates through deep breathing as well as identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.
The results and benefits of trigger point massage are releasing constricted areas in the muscles thus alleviating pain. You can experience a significant decrease in pain after just one treatment. Receiving massage with trigger point therapy on a regular basis can help naturally manage pain and stress from chronic injuries.
Trigger point massages release the tightest areas of your body (often the neck and low back), helping improve range of motion, posture, and alignment. Regular sessions can help with chronic pain, which is sometimes the result of referral pain from trigger points. Sessions can also help with athletic performance and acute pain from injuries or accidents.
Trigger Point Therapy is very useful in the relief of:
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