Trigger Points are areas of hyperirritability in soft tissue. Trigger points are manifested as small contraction knots in the muscles, that control the state of contraction and active trigger points may cause muscle spasm and referred pain. Latent, or secondary Trigger Points, usually go unnoticed by the client until pressure is applied by the practitioner.
Treatment consists of physical therapy, manipulation and stretching. A firm digital pressure is applied by the practitioner, who is able to locate the specific points which have caused the pain and restricted movement, and these may often be located in places different to where the client actually feels the pain.
Other factors such as nutrition, stress and chronic illness are also considered as potential contributors towards the problem. Conditions that will benefit from trigger point therapy include:
- Sports Injuries
- Chronic Headaches and Migraines
- Lateral Epicondylitis ("Tennis Elbow")
- Lower back pain
- Frozen Shoulder and Neck pain
- Stress and Fatigue
