Are you sick of suffering with stubborn muscular knots, chronic pain, and a restricted range of motion? If so, it’s time to explore the trigger point massage therapy.
This message targets trigger points. Trigger points are tiny, reactive areas in muscles. They may cause discomfort and severe pain in the body. Pressing on these points can relieve pain, increase movement, and improve overall health through trigger point massage.
Dr. Janet Travell originated the idea of trigger points in the 1940s. She was the White House physician under President John F. Kennedy. Through her work with patients, she identified localized muscle tender spots that could produce pain in other body areas.
She called these spots “trigger points” and found that applying pressure could relieve muscle pain and dysfunction.
In the decades since trigger point therapy has become an established approach for treating muscular pain, techniques like ischemic compression and trigger point release allow chiropractors to apply pressure to trigger points, break up knotted muscle fibers, and restore normal function.
Today, trigger point massage is commonly used to address injuries, overuse, chronic pain, and restricted mobility.
Understanding Trigger Points: What Are They and How Do They Form?
Trigger points are tight, sore knots in a taut band of the muscles, says the National Institute of Health. When pressed, they cause pain in areas such as hamstrings, calf, neck, and lower back. Several reasons lead to the development of trigger points such as,
- Overusing Muscles: Repetitive motions like typing or playing sports can cause trigger points.
- Inflammation: Conditions like arthritis that cause inflammation in muscles can lead to trigger points.
- Injury: Sudden injuries or muscle strains can create trigger points.
- Poor Posture: Sitting or standing in bad positions tense muscles and create trigger points.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: A lack of calcium, magnesium, or potassium can harm muscle tissues and create trigger points.
- Infection: Bacterial or viral infections can inflame muscles and active trigger points.
- Nerve Damage: Compressed or irritated nerves can make muscles tighten up and form trigger points.
Our expert chiropractors at Aloha Sports Chiropractic diligently address these reasons behind trigger point formation and treat them using trigger point release therapy.
Advantages of Trigger Point Massage Therapy
Trigger point massage therapy has many benefits. Here are some of the main benefits:
1. Relieve Pain
Massaging trigger points release tight muscles. It reduces headaches, muscle pain, and chronic pain like fibromyalgia. It helps muscles relax and increases blood flow. It also releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers.
2. Reduce Stress
Massage therapy is calming and relaxing. It lowers stress levels and promotes deep relaxation. Relaxing muscles and activating the body’s response reduces stress and anxiety.
3. Improve Range of Motion
Muscles with trigger points can become stiff and reduce the range of motion. Massage therapy releases tension, improves circulation, and increases flexibility. This results in an improved range of motion. It can help athletes optimize performance and help individuals regain full mobility.
4. Enhance Athletic Performance
Massage therapy improves muscle function, increases flexibility, and reduces injury risk. It helps athletes of all levels, from pros to weekend warriors, perform their best.
5. Promote Overall WellBeing
Massage therapy targets specific pain areas but also promotes the health of different body parts. It improves life quality and promotes a healthier, balanced lifestyle by reducing pain and stress and strengthening muscles.
Techniques for Trigger Point Massage
Now that we understand the benefits! Let’s explore the techniques our chiropractors, Dr Carig and Dr Gabriel, use in trigger point massage therapy:
1. Identifying Trigger Points
The first step is finding the painful trigger points. Our chiropractors feel the muscles to find tender and tight areas. These are trigger points. They may also look for signs of pain and ask where it hurts to see them.
2. Applying Pressure to Trigger Points
Once our chiropractors find it, they apply pressure to release tension and aid healing. They can use different techniques such as,
- Static Pressure: The muscle holds steady pressure until it releases. It relaxes the muscles and reduces pain.
- Stripping: Apply pressure along the muscle fibers. It releases tension.
- CrossFiber Friction: Apply pressure across the fibers for CrossFiber Friction. It realigns the fibers.
3. Tools for Trigger Point Massage
- Foam Rollers: Cylindrical devices made of foam that chiropractors can use to apply pressure to affected areas. Rolling the body over the foam roller targets and releases trigger points.
- Massage Balls: Small, firm balls that experts can use to apply pressure to trigger points. You can place them between the body and a wall, floor, or other surfaces to target specific trigger points.
- Trigger Point Tools: Special knobs or bars are tools for trigger point massage that you can hold in your hand. These tools accurately apply pressure, and individuals can use them for self-massage, or therapists can use them during treatment.
4. Duration and Frequency
The session length varies based on needs; trigger point therapy sessions usually last 30-90 minutes. Chronic pain may need multiple sessions.
At Aloha Sports Chiropractic, our qualified chiropractors, Dr. Craig and Dr. Gabriel, can guide the appropriate duration and frequency of treatment. If you want to know details about trigger point therapy, contact us today.
Who Should Consider Trigger Point Massage Therapy
Many people can benefit from trigger point massage therapy, including:
1. Those with Chronic Pain
This therapy can help with ongoing pain such as fibromyalgia, migraines, or back pain. It focuses on the trigger points that cause the pain to lessen discomfort.
2. People with Muscle Tightness
Tight muscles are common from sitting or strenuous activity. Massaging trigger points can release them and restore function.
3. Those Seeking Stress Relief
This therapy is calming and soothing. It can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
4. Athletes
Addressing trigger points enhances muscle function and flexibility. It also lowers injury risk. It can improve athletic performance.
Contraindications and Precautions
While trigger point massage therapy can be highly effective, there are some contraindications and precautions to be aware of.
Talk to our chiropractors before getting a trigger point massage if you have a pacemaker, medical device, or health condition. They will then devise a technique best suited for your required case.
How to Incorporate Trigger Point Massage into Your Wellness Routine
To add trigger point massage to your wellness routine, follow these tips to begin:
1. Tips for SelfMassage
- Use your fingers or hands to apply pressure to the sore spot. Hold for 1030 seconds. Slowly increase the pressure, but don’t cause too much pain.
- Lie on a foam roller. Place it under the sore spot. Roll back and forth to apply pressure. Move the roller around to target different areas.
- Put a massage ball between your body and a wall or floor. Lean into the ball and move in circles to apply pressure.
- Apply a warm compress or take a warm bath before self-massage. It helps relax the muscles.
2. Finding a Qualified Chiropractor or Massage Therapist
Self-message is okay, but it’s best to see qualified chiropractors for tricky or hard-to-reach trigger points. They can assess, find trigger points, and apply pressure to release tension and relieve pain effectively. When choosing a chiropractor or massage therapist, consider the following factors:
- Ensure that the massage therapist holds a license and certification in trigger point therapy.
- Look for a therapist with experience treating your condition.
- Read reviews and ask people you trust for recommendations. Choose someone with a good reputation.
- Pick a therapist who listens, explains things clearly, and answers your questions.
At Aloha Sports Chiropractic, our expert chiropractors have all the required qualities. Choose us to eliminate annoying muscle stiffness and live a healthy life.
3. Combining Trigger Point Massage with Other Treatments
- Medication: Ask your doctor to recommend medication to reduce pain and inflammation. Massage therapy can enhance the effects.
- Physiotherapy: Working with a physiotherapist can improve overall muscle health. Their exercises and stretches complement massage therapy.
- Other Types of Massage: Combine trigger point massage with Swedish or deep tissue massage for added benefits. Using different techniques addresses muscle tension in multiple ways.
Click to schedule Trigger Point Therapy with us, and let your healing begin!
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Get AppointmentThe Final Words
What is pressure or trigger point massage therapy? Trigger point massage targets tense spots in muscles. Massaging these points can ease pain, lower stress, boost athletic performance, and enhance health—trigger points from overuse, poor posture, injury, or anxiety.
Our expert chiropractors at Aloha Sports Chiropractic have 15+ years of experience in trigger point massage therapy. They apply pressure to trigger points to release tension. Talk to them if you are interested in trying trigger point massage for chronic pain or tight muscles. With guidance, massage that targets trigger points can help manage referred pain and tension. This type of massage may improve quality of life.
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