Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy or Neuromuscular Technique (NMT) is a proven method used for the relief of soft tissue pain and dysfunction.

Trigger points are defined as hypersensitive spots found in taut bands of muscle fibres or in the muscle fascia. They basically are areas within muscle tissue that have become contracted and banded together and often manifests as “knots” or tight bands of fibre.

These spots are painful on compression and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, referred tenderness and reduced range of movement.

Myofascial trigger points are commonly seen in both acute and chronic pain conditions like tension headaches,migraines, back pain, neck and shoulder pain, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder and carpal tunnel syndrome. In fact, trigger points are often the cause of this type of problem.

Trigger Points can be either Active or Latent:

Active points are painful locally and can radiate pain to other areas of the body, even areas that are not directly aligned with the trigger point. The pain experienced can be sharp and intense or dull and aching.
Latent means they are present but don't cause pain, until pressure is applied by the therapist. They will also cause tension, lack of mobility and weakness in the muscle.

What it involves

Trigger point therapy is designed to reduce the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release on the point of tension. A therapist may do so manually by finding the Trigger Point, it will either be an already painful area or feel sharp when pressure is applied and hold the point until the pain subsides. Clients actively participate in this form of treatment by deep breathing as well as identifying the location and the referral pattern of the discomfort.

Trigger Points can also be released through Dry Needling, which is the insertion of fine filament needle into the point in order to stimulate the pulse response. Therapists use this when the Trigger Point is particularly difficult or when muscle is extremely contracted.

What causes trigger points

Trigger Points can be caused by injury, muscle overuse (over-training etc.), inadequate rest, emotional stress, poor posture and biomechanics, and poor general health. In fact, trigger points are known to be a component of all pain syndromes.