Trigger Point Therapy is the use of manual pressure to specific points of the body in order to release/deactivate trigger points that cause local pain or refer pain to other areas of the body. The definition of a trigger point is a hyper-irritable spot or ‘knot’ in the muscle tissue that is palpable as a nodule in the taut bands of the muscle fibres. The most common area for trigger points that we see in our clinics are in the shoulder and neck area which can refer pain to the head resulting in what we call a headache. I have yet to treat anyone in my 20+ years that does not have a single trigger point. How many do you have?
Trigger Points are irritable points in the muscle tissue that cause pain locally and/or refer pain or tingling to other areas of the body. These points which are often referred to as “knots” which are located in specific spots of the musculature on every human body making it possible to map them throughout the body. What this means is that these points are located in the same spot of a particular muscle on every human (irrelevant of body type), making it easier for an RMT to locate them. In order to reduce and/or eliminate the Trigger Point the Therapist uses multiple techniques such as direct manual pressure, vibrations, and in some cases the use of heat to promote circulation and relaxation of the muscle/tissue. It may take several treatments to reduce or eliminate the trigger point, but often immediate relief is experienced.
Trigger Point Therapy often involves deep tissue work and can be uncomfortable to treat. The Therapist will check in with you during the treatment to ensure that the amount of pressure remains within your comfort zone. Post treatment home-care may involve the use of ice or heat to minimize the potential lingering discomfort and will always include the consumption of water post treatment to promote a flushing effect through the tissues. The fewer “knots” one has in their body, the more relaxed and less tense one feels.