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Massage Therapy

What is Trigger Point Massage?

Also known as myotherapy, neuromuscular therapy and myofascial trigger point therapy, trigger point massage therapy is a bodywork technique that involves applying pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in either the immediate or other parts of the body. Often, classical massage techniques and trigger point therapy are used together.

Trigger point therapy applies concentrated finger pressure or specialized tools to "trigger points" to break cycles of spasm and pain. A trigger point is a painful contracted & irritated areas within the muscles which is also referred to as a muscle knot. Trigger points are very common and can be felt by touch. By pinpointing the trigger point, applying pressure while rubbing, healing can begin. When the technique is understood and explained to a patient by a trigger point therapist, it can be self-applied several times throughout the day to areas of pain.

The pain and tenderness in a trigger point is either "active" or "latent":

- Active trigger points cause muscular pain and tenderness at an area not local to the actual trigger point (for example, a trigger point in the neck may cause headaches whereas a trigger point in the hips can cause low back pain). Trigger point pain is nearly always caused by a small, long term muscle contractions elsewhere in the body.

- Latent trigger points only exhibit pain to the actual trigger point when pressure is applied. They do not refer to pain in 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.

As the connections between the cause of the pain and what results can be oddly distributed thoughout the body, the root of the pain may sometimes be difficult for an untrained trigger point therapist to find.

Trigger points have several causes, including poor posture, overexertion, an injury from an accident or fall, or sports activities.

What Should I Expect?
Trigger point therapy is normally given while the client is wearinig light, comfortable clothing. For working on some body parts it is however preferable to work on the skin.

Trigger point therapy is not a pleasurable, relaxing form of massage. As each trigger point is located and pressure applied for a few seconds, pain may be felt. As trigger points are treated, endorphins are released within the body which are the body's natural pain killer. Often, the massage therapist will incorporate classical massage strokes to help soothe the muscle after working on each trigger point

If the pain is chronic, several sessions will often be required to feel significant relief. The results are cumulative - stiffness and swelling within the muscle is reduced, range of motion is increased, tension is relieved and circulation, coordination and flexibility are improved.

Trigger point massage therapy offers people suffering chronic pain relatively quick and simple relief from the pain caused by trigger points.

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