Trigger Point Therapy aims to search out spots in muscle tissue where chronic tension has led to permanent spasms and release these spasms. Each muscle group is made of many muscle strands or bundles, which, in turn, are made from smaller muscle fibers.
The inside of the body is covered with soft tissue called fascia. This tissue covers internal structures including organs, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. The fascia that covers your muscles is called myofascia. When the myofascia is stressed from overuse or trauma, it can tear and adhere together. These adhesions are called “trigger points” and can prevent the muscles from working well. Trigger points lead to an increase in muscle stiffness and tenderness and a decrease in range of motion. In addition, the discomfort from trigger points can radiate from the adhesion. This is called referral pain and the most common pathways are shown in this image (right).
For instance, when the muscle at the top of your shoulder (trapezius) has a trigger point, it will refer pain up the side of your neck and head, causing a headache. Active myofascial trigger points in the muscles of the shoulder, neck and face are a common source of headaches.
Tightness, aching, sore and painful muscles and fascia usually take years to develop. Trigger Point pain and dysfunction is cumulative over all the years you have lived. This means surgery or a fall or injury you sustained as a child can be part of the discomfort you are experiencing now. And of course, the recent injury from a motor vehicle cannot only cause immediate pain, but problems months – even years – later.
Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy Massage
Treatment of trigger points consists of identifying the trigger points through palpation, followed by manual compression. Trigger points can develop in tissue that is not receiving circulation due to lack of movement, or cause the tissue in that area to not receive circulation. They can develop in response to injury, chilling of a muscle, chronic overuse, from incorrect posture or even emotional stress. Vitamin B1 deficiency has been linked to trigger point formation. Trigger points can make themselves apparent in visible knots or in tight bands of muscle fibers. Once the muscle fibers are broken up, fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients can infiltrate the tissue, helping to begin to repair and return the muscle back to its natural state.
One of the advantages of Trigger Point Therapy when compared to other massage therapies that are used to manage and treat pain is that it identifies and works very specific points of the body – specifically, those locations where the pain occurs – to provide the best method of treatment for the pain.
Do you have trigger points?
Muscles that are sensitive to pressure
Stiff, tight, spasmodic feelings, especially in the neck or lower back
Headache
Dull, aching, or burning pain in muscles
Pain going down the arm or leg
Numbness
Muscle imbalance
If you answered yes to any of these, then you may have active trigger points. Only a medical professional can provide a diagnosis, but a qualified massage therapist can easily provide trigger point therapy massage relief of this pain.
Is trigger point therapy for you? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Do you experience cramping, dull aching, severe muscle pain, stiffness or muscle imbalance?
Do you have muscles that are particularly sensitive to pressure?
Do you experience muscular tingling or numbness?
Do you experience “shooting” pains in your arms or legs?
Do you experience frequent headaches?
Do you find that heat helps reduce pain and fatigue?
Of course, these symptoms can result from a myriad of causes. When in doubt, see your physician. But if you answered “yes” to more than a few of these questions, we may be able to help. QCBN
The massage therapist at A Valley of Vitality Wellness Studio will canvas the body in order to locate the exact area the trigger point is located. After locating the trigger point or points, the therapist will use several different finger techniques of varying pressure on and around the points in order to break down the build-up of the knot.
By replacing all of our other standard massages, we have created an exceptional value, just for you! This is our most luxurious and all-inclusive massage.
It offers a unique combination of Swedish, deep tissue and therapeutic and trigger point techniques and provides a deeply relaxing and effective massage, which is then taken to the next level with the use of partial heated stones to the back, aromatherapy and warm, moist compresses. The massage is finished with focus on the scalp, neck and shoulders to leave you feeling completely cared for in all areas. You owe it to yourself to try this experience!
If you are looking for massage therapy with stress relief and relaxation in the Prescott area, you will come to appreciate our skill and professionalism.
By Amanda Barnett
Amanda Barnett is the owner of A Valley of Vitality Wellness Studio, the first to introduce CBD treatments in Prescott over a year ago. Her studio offers CBD massage treatments and offers CBD oils and products. She is very careful about sourcing the best, organic products without chemicals for her clients, as they are the most beneficial.
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