What is Trigger Point Therapy?
The technique and methods of Trigger Point Therapy were primarily defined and developed by Janet Travell, M.D. Trigger point therapy’s primary focus is the elimination of myofascial pain syndrome caused by hyper irritable areas in muscles. Because these pain syndromes are often overlooked, Dr. Travell developed the techniques of trigger point therapy to help patients find relief. Trigger point therapy is performed in several ways. The least invasive is through the application of direct pressure, or ischemic compression to the effected muscle and the trigger point contained therein. Application of a vapocoolant spray in conjunction with stretching of the affected muscle, as well as therapeutic ultrasound may also be used. More invasive methods are available if the myofascial trigger points are unresponsive to the above therapies. Trigger point involves direct pressure to and stretching of the affected musculature. The amount of force used is dependent on patient tolerance. The technique
Trigger point therapy is a touch therapy that is used to eliminate trigger points. It is sometimes called myotherapy. It is used by massage therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and some medical doctors to help relieve pain and increase muscular flexibility. During trigger point therapy, your practitioner will exert pressure on your trigger points by using her fingers, knuckles, or elbows. This pressure is maintained for about 10 seconds and then released. Pressure is then reapplied in a pumping action for a further 30 seconds. After treatment, your muscles are stretched and lengthened to enhance flexibility. Trigger Point Therapy vs Acupressure Though the two therapies may sound similar, they actually operate on different parts of the body. Acupressure focuses on specific energy pathways in the body. Areas that are blocked are palpated in order to restore energy flow. You cannot feel these blockages under the skin. Trigger point therapy however, works on palpable knots in your muscle
Trigger point therapy is a type of massage therapy that addresses stabbing muscle pains which can occur at various points in the body called trigger points. Trigger point therapy is related to myofascial release, another type of massage therapy which addresses muscle tension and release, although trigger point therapy tends to be more invasive. Trigger point therapy often has positive benefits for sufferers from chronic pain, because the therapy aims to eliminate painful areas, rather than treating surface tension or inflammation.
Trigger point therapy is a bodywork technique that involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. Sometimes massage and trigger point therapy are performed together. Trigger point therapy is also called myofascial trigger point therapy. It was developed by Dr. Janet Travel in the United States in the 1940s. What are Trigger Points? Trigger points are areas of tenderness in a muscle. There are two basic types of trigger points: active and latent. Active trigger points cause muscular pain and will refer pain and tenderness to another area of the body when pressure is applied. Latent trigger points only exhibit pain when compressed, they do not refer pain to other areas of the body. Latent trigger points are believed to be one of the causes of stiff joints and restricted range of motion of old age. Trigger points may be associated with myofascial pain syndromes or fibromyalgia. Trigger points are very common.
