Trigger points are tiny knots that develop when your muscles are overused or injured. According to the American Massage Therapy Association these knots are palpable and can cause pain and tension.
Knots can form from injury, repeated movement, or tense muscles. They can also arise from stress, poor posture, or vitamin deficiencies.
The symptoms trigger points cause include,
- Sharp pain
- Dull aches
- Tingling
- Numbness
Sometimes, people confuse trigger point pain with arthritis or tendonitis. However, they are all distinct, each with specific reasons for happening. Ignoring trigger points can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility. Addressing them through massage can mitigate these issues and restore function.
Throughout this blog, we will explore why trigger point massage should be a key component of your wellness routine. There are numerous reasons to consider this effective treatment, from pain relief to injury prevention.
1. Pain Relief
One of the most immediate benefits of trigger point massage is pain relief. When our chiropractors apply pressure to the knots, it helps to break them down. It can help with pain and muscle relaxation. It’s suitable for people with discomfort in certain areas like the neck or back.
Chronic pain sufferers can also find respite with regular trigger point massage sessions, says Physio.co.uk. Since this type of massage targets the root cause of the pain rather than just the symptoms, it can provide more long-lasting relief. It can be a game-changer for individuals who experience ongoing pain that affects their daily lives.
2. Improved Range of Motion and Flexibility
Tight muscles can limit how well you move. Trigger point massage therapy works by relaxing these knots, allowing your muscles to stretch and move with less restriction. It helps you feel more flexible and improves your overall range of motion.
Additionally, muscles relax more, enabling the connected joints to move more freely. It is suitable for keeping joints healthy and can prevent stiffness and discomfort in the hips, shoulders, and knees.
3. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Stress manifests physically in the body, often causing muscles to tighten and form painful knots. Trigger point therapy can release muscle tension in these areas, which, in turn, can help lower stress levels. As the body relaxes, the mind often follows, leading to decreased anxiety and a more positive mental state.
4. Enhanced Circulation
Our licensed chiropractors apply pressure to a trigger point to increase blood flow in the treated area. Increased blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients, promoting healing and improving heart health. This improvement further leads to better health of the affected area.
5. Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
Regular trigger point massage can play a crucial role in injury prevention. Keeping muscles supple and flexible reduces the likelihood of experiencing strains or sprains. It can be particularly beneficial for those who are active or engage in regular physical activity.
If an injury does occur, trigger point massage can be an integral part of the recovery process. The therapy helps to restore strength and flexibility, aiding rehabilitation and helping to ensure that muscles rebuild correctly.
Who Can Benefit from Trigger Point Massage
As chiropractors specializing in sports injuries and chronic pain, we see the incredible benefits of trigger point therapy first-hand. While trigger points play a role in many common injuries, their importance is often overlooked. Here are those that often encounter trigger points.
1. Athletes and Weekend Warriors
Most athletes and sports enthusiasts usually undergo trigger points. Yet, they are unaware of what they are and how to get around them. Based on our experience, trigger points contribute to nearly every sports injury we treat – from tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis to ACL tears and many more. Our chiropractor Dr Craig releases trigger points to allow athletes to heal more quickly, regain mobility and strength, and avoid re-injury.
2. Individuals with Chronic Pain Conditions
Trigger points are involved in injuries, from car accidents to falls. We find trigger points in nearly 100% of the injured patients we see, regardless of age, fitness level or health status. Our chiropractors release these trigger points to get you stagnant recoveries unstuck, speeding up healing.
3. Posture and Repetitive Strain
From desk work to assembly lines, repetitive motions and sustained postures take a toll. Over time, micro-tears, inflammation and adhesive muscle changes called fibrosis develop. These physiological changes generate trigger points. Trigger point therapy techniques help unwind set patterns, reducing pain and stiffness.
Types of Trigger Point Massage Techniques
At Aloha Sports Chiropractic, we employ various massage therapy techniques. The most productive and popular to relieve trigger points are,
1. Myofascial Release
Myofascial release helps muscles by releasing tension and restoring movement in the connective tissue.
2. Neuromuscular Therapy
This massage targets muscle pain, improves muscle tone, and boosts blood circulation.
3. Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a more vital trigger point therapy that goes deeper into muscles to relieve knots and tension.
Experiencing muscle stiffness in the neck, shoulder or back?
Book a trigger point massage session now to relieve muscle knots and improve your physical health.
Get AppointmentThe Final Words
Trigger point massage can lessen pain and enhance physical performance, making it a valuable part of your wellness routine.
Trigger point massage is a drug-free way to manage pain and improve overall well-being. It could be the step towards a more comfortable and healthy lifestyle you’ve been looking for. Contact us to book your therapy session and lead a stress-free well being ahead.
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