Trigger Point Massage

Trigger point massage is the therapy that involves applying pressure to muscle tissues so as to relieve pain.It is a term coined by Dr Travel and Dr Simons to describe their method of treating muscular pain and ailments that involved the use of saline injections into muscles, stretches and heat therapy. Dr Prudden further developed it into a non-invasive technique as its used in its present form.

It is very widely used technique to treat muscle spasm and cramps. Because of its ability to remove pain its very commonly used by therapists to treat
professional athletes and is highly recommended by medical doctors as well.

Explaining Trigger Point Massage

The Trigger point therapy is also known as myofascial trigger point therapy. Its quite similar to the acupressure massage therapy with both adopting similar techniques for treatment.

Its basic mode of working involves treating the muscles and muscle attachments in layers. It works for surface as well as deeper muscles and ligaments.

The therapist applies static pressure intermittently for fixed time periods with fixed intervals in between. The process helps remove the toxins from muscles and helps calm the nerves. As the therapist releases the trigger point, endorphins that are released, that lead to the person feeling rejuvenated and reenergised.

The trigger point massage session involves the active participation of the client as well. The client needs to communicate to the therapist where the pain is and how much intensity it has. The success of such a massage session is dependent upon the joint efforts of both the therapist and the client.

Defining Trigger Points

Trigger points are highly irritable spots in the muscles that may be in the form of active and latent state. These points are associated with palpable nodules in muscles that are called contraction or muscle knots which are responsible for the pain.

The active trigger points are the cause behind muscular pains and refer pain to some other area of body on application of pressure. The latent ones only show pain when pressure is applied and dont refer pain to other parts of body. These points can be touched and felt easily.

Usually the therapist can locate the trigger point easily by locating the pain and applying pressure. In some cases the actual trigger point is not located at the point of pain and is actually at some distance. Once the real trigger point is zeroed upon, the therapist can easily release the pain caused by it.

Benefits of Trigger Point Massage

The trigger point massage has been rated as the most effective therapy in relieving pain from muscles. It helps reduce and remove any stiffness in muscles and improves the flexibility of body parts. It is the most suitable technique for eliminating pain in soft-tissue and any related dysfunctions.

The therapy helps release tension and improves circulation. Sometimes a single treatment may not be sufficient and repeated treatments may be required. The patients are also advised to adopt a nutritional diet rich in vitamins to prevent any relapse or reform of once treated trigger points.