Trigger Point Therapy Q&A
What is trigger point therapy?
Trigger points are painful knots that develop in muscle tissue. These knots feel tender to the touch and often cause pain in other areas of the body when pressed.
During trigger point therapy, the team at Applewood Chiropractic presses the affected trigger point to temporarily prevent circulation in the tissue.
When circulation to a trigger point is cut off, your body releases a chemical called nitric oxide. That essential molecule eventually allows your microcapillaries to open, increasing blood flow to the affected trigger point. Increased blood flow not only promotes healing, but it can reduce pain as well.
Are there different types of trigger points?
There are two types of trigger points that the team at Applewood Chiropractic treats: active and passive.
Active trigger points
Active trigger points cause pain that radiates in other areas of the body. For example, if you have a trigger point in the muscle in your lower back, you may experience pain in that area as well as around the hips and buttocks.
Passive trigger points
Passive trigger points hurt in their exact location. When you apply pressure to the knot, the pain should not radiate.
How does trigger point therapy work?
Trigger point therapy is a hands-on technique that involves placing pressure on specific areas of the body. When combined with massage and tissue manipulation, this technique can soften and release tension from the trigger point. As the knot softens and circulation to the area increases, the trigger point can relax. Over time, that may help improve your mobility and range of motion.
Where do trigger points develop?
Trigger points can develop nearly anywhere on the body, but they most commonly affect the:
- Calves
- Hamstrings
- Lower back muscles
- Neck muscles
- Hips and thighs
Not all trigger points are noticeably painful but many are. Many individuals experience sudden muscle spasms that make moving or stretching the affected muscle difficult. The pain can feel intense to the point that you may not be able to use or bear weight on the muscle until the trigger point softens.
To learn more about trigger point therapy, call Applewood Chiropractic or schedule an appointment online today.