Trigger points are tender spots in a muscle, often called knots, that hurt when pressed and can refer pain to other parts of the body. They are a common cause of muscular aches, and trigger point therapy is used to release them and restore comfortable movement. At Needa Massage we treat them across Rockingham, Warnbro and Baldivis, in clinic or through our mobile service.
What are trigger points?
A trigger point is an area in a muscle that is sore and reacts to direct pressure. In simple terms, it is the body telling you that all is not well in that spot. Trigger points are also referred to as knots in the muscle, and they are very common in people who lead active lives or who hold tension through long hours of work. An experienced therapist can physically feel them in the muscle tissue.
Active and latent trigger points
There are two main types of trigger point:
- Active trigger points cause muscular pain and can create referred pain in another area of the body when pressure is applied.
- Latent trigger points only hurt when direct pressure is applied and do not refer pain elsewhere.
It is believed that stimulating active points increases the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller and muscle relaxant. Because trigger point pain can quietly limit movement and comfort, it may be one of the biggest hidden causes of lost time in the workplace.
Are trigger points the same as acupressure points?
No. Trigger points and acupressure points are different. Acupressure points are considered blockages of the body’s energy pathways, whereas trigger points are physical and can be felt by an experienced therapist. This is an important distinction, because trigger point therapy works directly on the physical muscle tissue rather than on energy lines.
How does trigger point therapy work?
Trigger point therapy is a technique in which a therapist applies direct pressure to sore muscle tissue to relieve pain in the body. The therapist locates each trigger point and deactivates it using direct finger pressure. Because trigger points and tight muscles are closely linked, remedial massage and trigger point therapy are often performed together, and deep tissue massage can complement the work on stubborn knots. The purpose is to eliminate pain so the muscles can return to where they are meant to be without hurting so much.
What to expect after trigger point therapy
Muscles do not always like being moved back to where they should be when they have grown used to being somewhere else. After a session, a treated muscle may let you know about it for a day or two, and if it took a long time for the muscle to reach that fatigued condition, it may take more than one massage before it settles for good. Once the pain reduces, though, your range of motion improves, tension eases and your circulation gets a welcome boost. The Better Health Channel notes that massage therapy can help ease muscle tension and support recovery.
Trigger point therapy in Rockingham
If you are experiencing muscular aches and pains around Rockingham, Warnbro or Baldivis, trigger point therapy combined with remedial massage is a proven way to find relief. Our mobile service also means we can treat you at home if getting to the clinic is difficult. Call Mark today on 0419 933 897 to arrange an appointment, contact us with your questions, or book a session online. We will have you feeling better in no time.
Frequently asked questions
What causes trigger points?
Trigger points, or muscle knots, often develop from muscle overuse, poor posture, repetitive movements, injury or sustained tension and stress. They are especially common in active people and in those who hold static positions for long periods. At Needa Massage in Rockingham we assess how you use your body so we can treat the knots and help reduce how often they return.
Is trigger point therapy painful?
Applying direct pressure to a trigger point can feel tender while the knot releases, and a treated muscle may feel sore for a day or two afterwards. It should always stay within your tolerance, though. Your therapist adjusts the pressure to suit you, so tell them if it is too strong and they will ease off while still working the area effectively.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how long the muscle has been in a fatigued, knotted state. A recent, minor trigger point may settle after one session, while long-standing knots often take several treatments before they behave. We will give you a realistic idea at your first appointment in Rockingham, Warnbro or Baldivis and adjust the plan as your muscles respond.
What is the difference between trigger points and acupressure points?
Trigger points are physical knots in the muscle that a therapist can feel and press directly to relieve pain. Acupressure points are considered blockages along the body’s energy pathways. Trigger point therapy works on the muscle tissue itself, which is why it pairs so well with remedial massage for physical aches and restricted movement.
Can trigger points cause pain in other parts of the body?
Yes. Active trigger points can create referred pain, meaning pressure on a knot in one muscle is felt in a different area of the body. This is why the source of your pain is not always where you feel it. An experienced Needa Massage therapist can trace the referral pattern back to the trigger point responsible and treat it directly.
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