Myofascial trigger points are discrete, hyper-irritable ‘knots’ located in a tight band of skeletal muscle or fascia; the ‘knots’ are painful on compression and can produce referred pain, referred tenderness, motor dysfunction and / or autonomic changes. A trigger point in the lower neck, for example, may cause a headache.
There are two types of trigger points.......Active and Latent.
Active trigger points are painful at rest. They are very tender when palpated and cause a referred pain pattern similar to the patient’s pain complaint. Referred pain is most often described as ‘radiating’.
Latent trigger points do not cause pain however they may restrict movement or cause muscle weakness. One only becomes aware of this type of trigger point upon application of pressure.
There are many reasons why a trigger points exists. Here are a few:
Acute trauma
Repetitive microtrauma
Lack of exercise
Poor posture
Vitamin deficiencies
Sleep disturbances
Joint problems
Repetitive stress disorders
Poor biomechanics
Surgical scars
Dehydration
It is not completely understood the reasons behind the physiological creation of a trigger point therefore I won’t bore you with theories surrounding muscle spindles, ATP, Sliding Filament Theories, Ischemia, Calcium Ions, etc. You can thank me later.
How to treat trigger points is dependent on how long you’ve had them. If it’s a recent one created by say, hauling around heavy luggage, then it may be relatively easy to address and you may be pain free sooner than later. If this is a trigger point that has existed for years (Chronic trigger point) and has been left untreated then it may require weeks or months to reduce the pain-spasm cycle and will require use of frequent pressure treatment and stretching. Proper hydration makes treatment easier as does effective stretching routines.
As a massage therapist, when I locate a trigger point I perform static compression for severals seconds, usually 10 - 30 seconds, gradually increasing pressure as to prevent causing more harm to the client. This is not a relaxing technique due to the presence and intensity of pain and discomfort. It is important that a client communicates with their massage therapist because the last thing we want to do is bruise or hurt our clients causing greater pain and discomfort.
Following treatment, it may be wise to apply ice after treatment, followed by gentle stretching as recommended by your massage therapist.
There are two types of trigger points.......Active and Latent.
Active trigger points are painful at rest. They are very tender when palpated and cause a referred pain pattern similar to the patient’s pain complaint. Referred pain is most often described as ‘radiating’.
Latent trigger points do not cause pain however they may restrict movement or cause muscle weakness. One only becomes aware of this type of trigger point upon application of pressure.
There are many reasons why a trigger points exists. Here are a few:
Acute trauma
Repetitive microtrauma
Lack of exercise
Poor posture
Vitamin deficiencies
Sleep disturbances
Joint problems
Repetitive stress disorders
Poor biomechanics
Surgical scars
Dehydration
It is not completely understood the reasons behind the physiological creation of a trigger point therefore I won’t bore you with theories surrounding muscle spindles, ATP, Sliding Filament Theories, Ischemia, Calcium Ions, etc. You can thank me later.
How to treat trigger points is dependent on how long you’ve had them. If it’s a recent one created by say, hauling around heavy luggage, then it may be relatively easy to address and you may be pain free sooner than later. If this is a trigger point that has existed for years (Chronic trigger point) and has been left untreated then it may require weeks or months to reduce the pain-spasm cycle and will require use of frequent pressure treatment and stretching. Proper hydration makes treatment easier as does effective stretching routines.
As a massage therapist, when I locate a trigger point I perform static compression for severals seconds, usually 10 - 30 seconds, gradually increasing pressure as to prevent causing more harm to the client. This is not a relaxing technique due to the presence and intensity of pain and discomfort. It is important that a client communicates with their massage therapist because the last thing we want to do is bruise or hurt our clients causing greater pain and discomfort.
Following treatment, it may be wise to apply ice after treatment, followed by gentle stretching as recommended by your massage therapist.
Until next time,
Nancy, RMT @ Luxe Mobile Massage
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at info@luxemassage.ca
Visit Luxe Mobile Massage at www.luxemassage.ca
Information resource www.prohealthsys.com
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at info@luxemassage.ca
Visit Luxe Mobile Massage at www.luxemassage.ca
Information resource www.prohealthsys.com
