Trigger Point Therapy

This soft tissue technique involves locating isolated tender spots in muscles, which when compressed reproduces patients pain pattern.

The pain pattern can be local, or the trigger point can refer some distance to another part of the body.

Both direct pressure and stretch techniques are used to relieve these trigger points.

What you can expect:

When a practitioner places pressure on a trigger point, it can refer pain quite a distance, and the tension can sometimes feel as bad as it ever has.

The practitioner will hold the pressure until that pain starts to subside (which it does!).

The practitioner will be constantly monitoring your reaction and will always pause if you feel the need.

When the tension starts to subside the muscle will relax and both patient and practitioner may observe better function and movement of the muscle.

References:

• 1. Lluch E, Nijs J, De Kooning M et al. Prevalence, Incidence, Localization, and Pathophysiology of Myofascial Trigger Points in Patients With Spinal Pain: A Systematic Literature Review. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2015 Oct;38(8):587-600. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2015.08.004. Epub 2015 Sep 19.
• 2. Fernández-de-las-Peñas et al. Myofascial trigger points and sensitization: an updated pain model for tension-type headache. Cephalalgia, 2007, 27, 383–393
• 3. Renan-Ordine R, Alburquerque-Sendin F, et al. Effectiveness of Myofascial Trigger Point Manual Therapy Combined With a Self-Stretching Protocol for the Management of Plantar Heel Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 2011 41:2, 43-50