Trigger Point Therapy: The Key To Your Pain Relief?
Trigger point therapy is a form of myofascial release, an extremely effective technique that uses gentle but continuous pressure to connective tissue to help eliminate pain and improve range of motion.
Myofascial refers to muscle tissue (myo) and the connective tissue in and around it (fascia). Repetitive muscle strain or injury often results in myofascial pain. When injured, muscles often form trigger points, causing tightness and pain.
In trigger point therapy, we pinpoint the source of the pain and alleviate it with direct and repetitive deep pressure. It’s an interactive type of therapy, with patients actively using deep breathing, as well as pinpointing the exact site and intensity of the discomfort. Trigger point therapy relieves pain by releasing compressed areas in the muscle and many patients experience significant relief after just one treatment.
What is a trigger point?
A trigger point, commonly referred to as a “knot,” is a tight area of muscle tissue that can cause either a dull ache or a sharp and intense pain. This can not only cause severe discomfort in a localized area, but also produce referral pain in other parts of the body. For example, a trigger point in the neck, acting as the primary trigger point, may cause secondary pain, or satellite trigger points, in the head or back.
These small patches of clenched muscle tissue are both sensitive to the touch and can cause stiffness and aches. This can be a major factor in many common problems, such as neck and lower back pain.
Who can benefit from Trigger Point Therapy?
Like many myofascial therapies, trigger point therapy provides benefits to any individual with overworked muscles, from elite athletes to office workers sitting in the same position at a computer all day. A major advantage of trigger point therapy is that it specifically targets the area with pain, deactivating the trigger point and alleviating any satellite points that may have resulted. Receiving regular trigger point can naturally help manage pain and stress from chronic injuries.
How does it work?
Trigger point pain most often occurs in the back, shoulders or hips, but can also appear in other areas as well. Upon arriving in our office at Chicago Pain & Wellness, you’ll initially lie down in a way as to not aggravate any trigger points. We’ll assess the area to locate the exact spot of the trigger point, then use varying degrees of pressure on or around the trigger point to break up the compression of the tissue.
Be one step closer to relief from the pain and pressure.
If you’re experiencing sharp or dull, localized pain, call Chicago Pain & Wellness to schedule a free consultation. Upon locating the exact trigger point and any resulting satellite trigger points, we’ll work closely with you to develop a plan that alleviates the pain and prevents further strain.
Email us at DRM@chicagopainwell.comor call 312-255-7474.
