Trigger Points

​​The inside of the body is covered with soft tissue called fascia. This tissue covers evert structure including organs, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. The fascia that covers your muscles is call myofascia.
When the myofascia is stressed from overuse or trauma it can create taut bands in the muscle fibers and a hard nodule or 'knot' can be felt.

​These areas where the nodules occur are called "trigger points" and when irritated 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 out, in a predictable pattern, to other areas.  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. ​

These triggered taut bands can also cause dysfunction of the associated joints. When this happens both the muscle and the joints need to be treated to relieve any associated pain.

Myofascial pain can appear at any age and affects men and women equally.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Aches and pains are an extremely common medical complaint, and myofascial trigger points seem to be a factor in many of them. A diagnosis of Myofascial Pain Syndrome or Chronic Myofascial Pain means that the primary source of your symptoms are from these myofascial trigger points.

​Myofacial pain can manifest as deep and dull, mild or shooting, burning, throbbing or cramp-like and can have a sudden or gradual onset. It can be constant or waxing and waning and present at rest or only during activity.
Pressure on the trigger point or knot can trigger muscle twitches, pain and abnormal sensations (paresthesia), such as tingling and pins and needles.

​The affected dense, shortened muscles, laden with taut bands may even compress and entrap nerves, leading to another secondary set of symptoms. If unaddressed or ineffectively treated, eventually, other muscles around the dysfunctional one may be required to "take up the slack", becoming stressed and developing secondary trigger points. It is not unusual for chronic pain patients to have multiple, overlapping referred pain patterns, making diagnosis and treatment more complex.
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Causes of Trigger Point Formation

​The damage to muscle and connective tissue which results in trigger points can occur several ways. It can happen as the result of:

• Repetitive overuse injuries (using the same body parts in the same way hundreds of times on a daily basis) from activities such as typing/mousing, handheld electronics, gardening, home improvement projects, work environments, etc.
• Sustained loading as with heavy lifting, carrying babies, briefcases, boxes, wearing body armor or lifting bedridden patients.
• Habitually poor posture due to our sedentary lifestyles, de-conditioning and poorly designed furniture
• Muscle clenching and tensing due to mental/emotional stress.
• Direct injury such as a blow, strain, break, twist or tear. Think car accidents, sports injuries, falling down stairs and the like.
• Surprisingly, trigger points can even develop due to inactivity such as prolonged bed rest or sitting.

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Trigger Points and Referred Pain 

Trigger points can cause pain directly. Trigger points are a “natural” part of muscle tissue and sooner or later almost everyone gets muscle knots through situations such as listed above.  However, what makes trigger points clinically important is their ability to mimic other pain problems.

When pain is referred from a trigger point it is important to understand that the pain you are feelng is usually not the location of the problem.  Trigger points can cause pain that mimics many other common diagnosis and health issues. These include - 

Back pain
Headaches
Neck pain
​Rotator cuff (shoulder) pain
Jaw pain (TMJD)
Tennis elbow
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Hand and arm pain
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Pelvic pain
Hip pain
"Sciatic" pain (buttock and leg pain)
Leg and knee pain
Plantar fascitis (foot) pain
Tendinitis/tendinopathy
Burstitis
Arthritis
Disc pain (bulge/rupture/herniation) and radiculopathy
Frozen shoulder
Fibromyalgia

At NorthWest Physio + in Kumeu & Whenuapai our physiotherapists, massage therapist and acupuncturists have post graduate training and experience to recognize the symptoms of myofascial pain, to palpate muscles for myofascial trigger points and then assess whether myofascial trigger points are present. We are able to unlock and treat the source of your pain, not just treat the presenting symptoms.
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Trigger Point Release Therapy

Trigger Point Release involves applying pressure with a finger or other instrument to the trigger point and increasing the pressure as the trigger point "releases" and softens. There are a number of variations on this technique and your physiotherapist at NorthWest Physio + will choose which is right for your particular treatment. 

You should experience relief from pain during the first treatment. Sometimes several treatments are needed before your pain starts to diminish. It is common for some people to experience some soreness for one to two days after treatment. This usually resolves after the first few treatments. 

Once trigger points are released the muscle needs to be moved throughout its full range. Simple exercises prescribed by your physio to do at home are important in retraining the specific muscle.  Returning to normal activities without pain is most often accelerated by adherence to your specific self-care programme.
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If you are experiencing any kind of ache or pain and it's interfering with your normal day to day activities contact NorthWest Physio + in Kumeu & Whenuapai for expert advice and treatment from qualified physiotherapists, massage therapists and acupuncturists . 
Call 09 412 2945 or arrange an appointment via our contact page or make an appointment via our online booking service.

FAQ

What is trigger point release?

Trigger point release is a manual therapy technique that is used to relieve pain and tension in muscles. Trigger points are small, tight knots in muscles that can cause pain and referred pain in other parts of the body.

How does trigger point release work?

Trigger point release works by applying pressure to the trigger point until it relaxes. This can be done with hands, fingers, or massage tools. When the trigger point relaxes, the muscle tension decreases and pain is relieved.

What are the benefits of trigger point release?

Trigger point release can help to relieve pain, improve range of motion, increase muscle function, and reduce stress. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including headaches, migraines, neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, and muscle spasms.

Is Trigger Point Release safe for everyone?

Trigger point release is generally safe for most people. However, it is important to see a qualified massage therapist or other healthcare professional for trigger point release, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

How often should I get trigger point release?

The frequency of trigger point release will vary depending on your individual needs. If you are experiencing severe pain, you may need to get trigger point release every day or two. Once your pain has subsided, you may only need to get trigger point release once a week or month.