What Is Trigger Point?
A trigger point, also known as knot, is a palpable area in the muscle caused by stress, muscle overuse, inflammation, trauma, electrolyte imbalances, structural imbalance, improper stretching, infections and nerve pain. Some trigger points can result in pain due to decrease in circulation, increase in muscle contraction, spasm and increase in nerve sensitivity causing a sharp pain or a constant ache. While other trigger points are only felt when the muscle is directly compressed by a massage therapist.
What Is Trigger Point Therapy?
As muscles with trigger points become weaker than normal, surrounding healthy muscles become unable to perform their normal function and move through a full range of motion. Other muscles may also be affected and develop their own trigger points if the knots are not treated right away. Other contributing factors can be problems such as poor nutrition, stress, and chronic illness.
Trigger Point Therapy is a remedial massage technique. It involves identifying trigger points in the body. Pressure then is applied on the knots to reduce muscle tightness and pain that interrupt the pain-spasm cycle, helping stop the contraction making the pain go away.
References
Trigger Points. Physio-pedia. Viewed 5 July 2020. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Trigger_Points
Trigger Point Therapy. South Eastern Active Health. Viewed 5 July 2020. https://www.activehealth.com.au/chiropractic/trigger-point-therapy/
Trigger Points: Diagnosis and Management. American Family Physician. Viewed 5 July 2020. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/0215/p653.html