Trigger Point Massage Therapy

A trigger point is a tight area within muscle tissue that can produce localized pain, as well as referral pain to other areas of the body. For example, neck pain and headaches can be caused by a trigger point in the back. The pain may be described as “sharp and intense” or a “dull ache”.

Trigger points are caused by a variety of factors such as muscular injuries, strains, trauma, structural imbalances, improper body mechanics and movement patterns, poor nutrition, and mental and emotional stress.

Trigger point massage therapy is designed to reduce and relieve the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. Rachel performs trigger point release by using a combination of pressure originating from her thumbs and elbows. The client participates through deep breathing as well as verbally identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.

Trigger points reduce range of motion in both joints and muscles by preventing muscles from relaxing. This causes muscles to become shortened and stiff, and causes muscles to recover slowly from exertion. Trigger points can also lead to muscle imbalances, causing disarticulation of joints, which causes the joints to “catch” or “pop” when exercising or being active.

Trying to stretch muscles that have trigger points only causes pain and discomfort. Things change dramatically by first releasing the trigger points and then stretching the muscles. Studies show that by performing trigger point release, muscle tissue becomes more pliable, leading to improved joint mobility and muscle length. Rachel combines trigger point release sessions with manual stretching techniques so that clients can regain their mobility in the most efficient time frame.

Clients can experience a significant decrease in pain after just one treatment depending on the severity of the trigger points. Rachel encourages clients to utilize trigger point sessions on a weekly basis in combination with strength training in order to maximize progress in the gym while preventing risk of injury.

Trigger point massage has the following benefits:

• It improves muscle length, flexibility, and range of motion.
• It is an effective injury prevention technique pre-workout by warming up the muscle tissue and improving muscle flexibility and joint mobility.
• It is an effective injury prevention technique pre-workout by warming up the muscle tissue and improving muscle flexibility and joint mobility.
• It reduces muscle soreness post workout because trigger point release helps to remove metabolic waste products from the muscle as well as improve blood circulation.
• It helps to decrease pain and may help to rule out certain diagnoses. Trigger points can mimic various conditions like bursitis, tendinitis, even migraines and heart attack.
• It improves the frequency and intensity of headaches.
• It improves posture.
• It increases blood flow and tissue hydration. Trigger points can block oxygen and nutrients from entering the muscle cells. Removing trigger points allows the muscle cells access to all the nutrition that they need to function at their optimal levels.
• It has a calming effect on the nervous system.