Trigger Point Therapists Near Me

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FAQs:

What Does a Trigger Point Therapist Do?

Typically, a healthcare professional refers a patient to a trigger point therapist. The therapist will take a history of injuries suffered, occupations held, and sports played. He or she will ask the individual to describe the pain and its location in detail. The therapist will then probe the area of the coordinating trigger point. An injection of lidocaine, saline, or other medicines, or probing with a dry needle, may be done. In myotherapy, once the point is found, the therapist will apply sustained pressure using the fingers, knuckles, or elbows for several seconds. Pain relief is often experienced immediately. Following the injection or pressure treatment, the therapist will then gently stretch the muscles of the trigger point. Finally, a series of exercises are taught to the individual to reeducate the muscles and prevent the pain from returning.

What is Trigger Point Therapy?

Trigger point therapy is a soft tissue technique that works to release painful, tension in muscles and fascia that you would usually experience as a knot in the muscle. There are many different approaches to trigger point therapy including soft tissue work, deep tissue massage, dry needling, and ischemic pressure.

What are Trigger Points?

Trigger points feel like little marbles or knots just under your skin. When pressing on trigger points, many people feel no pain or discomfort. Sometimes, trigger points become very sensitive, and some people feel significant pain in areas where they have trigger points. Have you ever had a Charlie horse in a muscle? If so, then you know how this feels: the entire muscle goes into a painful spasm, and the only thing that seems to help is to gently elongate and stretch the muscle. Now, think of trigger points as tiny Charlie horses in your muscle. These pesky points don't cause that entire muscle to spasm, just a very small portion of it. But if you have enough trigger points, you may start to feel intense pain and experience limited muscle mobility.

Where are Trigger Points Typically Found? 

Trigger points can happen almost anywhere in the body. Any small area of tension within a muscle can be a trigger point. Commonly, trigger points are found in: 

- Upper and middle back musculature (trapezius, rhomboids) 

- Hips and Lower back (gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, quadratus lumborum, iliotibial band) 

Where Do People Get Trigger Points?

Trigger points and muscle knots can occur anywhere in your body. Wherever there is muscle tissue, there may be a small area of tissue tension. This could be a trigger point. Areas in the body where trigger points are more commonly found may include:

- Your upper trapezius muscles on either side of your neck just above your shoulders

- Your quadratus lumborum muscles of your low back

- Your hamstrings

- Your calf muscles

- Along your iliotibial band

You can get trigger points anywhere in your body, and if they occur excessively, you may experience chronic pain and myofascial pain syndrome.

Does Trigger Point Therapy Hurt?

Yes, trigger point therapy can be painful, but only while pressure is being applied to the tender area. The temporary pain of trigger point therapy can help to relieve ongoing pain and muscle spasms. You may not feel immediate relief from a session but should feel the improvement the day after. It may take several sessions to fully resolve a trigger point. After each session, be sure to drink lots of water to help flush waste material from your muscles.

How Long Does it Take to Release Trigger Points?

Trigger point release involves using either a tool or a squeeze grip that puts direct pressure on the trigger point for between 30 and 120 seconds. This amount of time is typically going to be enough to release and soften the nodule. Once the muscle tissue has been released, it will need to be moved throughout its full range of motion for optimal healing.

What’s the Difference Between Acupuncture Points and Trigger Points?

While some acupuncture and trigger, points may overlap, they are not the same. Acupuncture points are described as concentrated areas of ‘energy’ that develop along ‘meridian lines’ mapped out over the body. Trigger points are palpable (you can feel them) specific adhesions in the myofascial that reproduce referred pain when stimulated (usually by your chiropractor pressing gently into them).

What Causes a Trigger Point to Become Activated?

Many patients are surprised to find they have numerous knots across their back or neck. These points can become tense for many reasons, including:

- Muscle overload on a daily basis or during one traumatic event

- Psychological disorders like anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression

- Chronic stress

- Trauma to the muscle due to strains, tears, or serious impacts

- Car accidents and sports injuries

- Systemic or localized infections

- Bad habits like smoking and poor posture

How Should I Prepare For Trigger Point Therapy?

To maximize the effectiveness of care, the therapist will encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy supportive shoes—essentially, anything you’d be comfortable working out in. Of course, while much of our services do involve active participation from you as the patient, manual therapy sessions (which include trigger point therapy) allow you to take more of a passive, restorative role.

Know that when you first arrive for your initial consultation, the therapist will take you through a thorough patient history questionnaire and physical examination. You’ll be encouraged to ask questions along the way to help us gain insight into your unique condition and help us provide you with an accurate diagnosis and plan of care, which may include manual therapy as well as additional evidence-based physical therapy services such as therapeutic exercises, joint mobilizations, and modalities.

Patients should stay well-hydrated both before, during, and after treatment. Water is essential to help the body heal, and the effects of both active and passive therapeutic services (including pressure point massage) are amplified when you drink plenty of fluids. Aim for one-third to one-half of your body weight in fluid ounces per day, or more if you exercise a lot or have a physically demanding job.

History Of Trigger Point Therapy

In the late 1950s, while working in a lung and heart hospital, Dr. Janet Travell was struck by the commonality of pain symptoms she found across hospital patients. She was astonished to discover that the most common complaint was ordinary back, shoulder, or neck discomfort, even when a patient had a fatal condition. 

She was concerned since none of these individuals had verifiable evidence of an illness or condition that may explain their pain issues. During physical exams, Dr. Travell discovered that virtually all patients had isolated painful areas in their skeletal muscles. Dr. Travell started a lifetime study of these sensitivity sites, which she dubbed trigger points.

Her study gave rise to what is now known as Trigger Point Therapy. Nowadays, licensed massage therapist usually performs trigger point therapy and uses their hands or elbows to apply pressure to the affected areas. Sometimes, other tools may be used as well, such as heat packs or cold compresses. This treatment aims to release the muscle’s tension and reduce the pain that is being felt.

While trigger point therapy can be an effective pain treatment, it’s important to remember that it isn’t a cure. That being said, it can be a helpful way to manage pain and improve quality of life. If you are dealing with chronic pain, talk to your doctor about whether trigger point therapy might be right for you.

How Trigger Point Therapy Works

Our muscles are made up of individual muscle cells called myocytes. These myocytes are held together by a protein called collagen. The collagen forms a sheath around the muscle cell. This collagen sheath is called the endomysium. The endomysium also attaches each muscle cell to its neighbor. So, if you were to take a cross-section of muscle, it would look kind of like a bunch of hot dogs all lined up next to each other, with the collagen sheath holding them all together.

Now, let’s talk about what happens when a muscle gets tight or knotted. When a muscle gets tight, it’s usually because one or more of the individual muscle cells has become shortened. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most common is simply overuse. When a muscle cell becomes shortened, it pulls on the collagen sheath, which pulls on the neighboring muscle cells. This can cause the entire muscle to become tight and knotted.

So, how does trigger point massage therapy work? By applying pressure to the knots in the muscle, we can release the tension in the individual muscle cells. This allows the muscle to return to its normal length. As the muscle cells return to their normal length, the pressure on the collagen sheath is released, and the neighboring muscle cells are no longer being pulled. This can provide relief from pain and tension in the muscle.

If you’re dealing with tight muscles, trigger point massage therapy may be a good option for you.

7 Things to Know About Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger-point therapy is a safe pain management technique whereby a trained specialist inserts a hair-thin needle into your muscle’s trigger point, which is the sensitive or tender point that is emanating pain. This method is also known as dry needling since the needles do not carry any medication.

Here are seven key factors that make trigger-point therapy an excellent and revolutionary treatment:

1. It’s much different from acupuncture

Although it involves thin needles inserted into the skin similar to acupuncture, the ancient Chinese technique’s base purpose is to rebalance the patient’s “energy flow.” In contrast, trigger-point therapy follows science-based guidelines to identify and stimulate specific trigger points in the muscles and to reduce tension in stressed muscles.

2. It loosens up knots in tense muscles

Trigger-point therapy is also called myofascial trigger point dry needling, intramuscular manual therapy, and intramuscular stimulation, reflecting its focus on unknotting tense muscles. This type of “knot” is similar to a Charley horse. When your muscles suffer from overuse or trauma, these painful knots can form. The fibers in an overused muscle do not receive the adequate blood supply which will allow it to relax. The tissue near the muscle becomes more acidic, and the nerves become more sensitive, resulting in pain and discomfort. When a physical therapist inserts a needle into the trigger point, it can loosen the knot and help return normal blood flow into the area, releasing muscle tension.

3. It’s useful for many conditions

Dry needling usually works as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include exercise, physical therapy, massage, and other interventions which are designed to relieve mild to moderate pain and restore mobility. Trigger-point therapy is useful for conditions including the following:

- Arthritis

- Muscle strains

- Herniated discs

- Sciatica

- Knee pain

- Shoulder pain

- Fibromyalgia

- Nerve disorders

- Plantar fasciitis

Dry needling can also help reduce your dependence on pain medication.

4. The pain relief is long-lasting but differs for each patient

Some patients experience relief right after a dry needling session. For others, it may take more than one session to feel better. Patients who are in good health can generally get dry needling once to twice a week, but talk to your doctor and therapist about their recommended frequency of trigger-point therapy sessions. 

5. You might experience dizziness and drowsiness after the dry needling session

Some patients report feeling dizzy or faint after the treatment. Additional side effects include mild soreness or bruising in the treated area. These usually subside after a few hours, but you can apply a cold compress to mitigate these effects. It is a good idea to have someone else drive you home, especially after your first session when you see how your body reacts.

6. Avoid strenuous exercise after a trigger-point therapy session

It would be best to refrain from any strenuous activity or exercise immediately after treatment, since exercising may aggravate your muscles. However, it’s essential to keep the treated area moving, so engage in gentle exercises and stretches as your physical therapist recommends. 

7. It’s not for people who have potential blood-related issues

Pregnant women are not advised to undergo trigger-point therapy and other needle-based treatments since clinical studies have yet to fully evaluate their effects on the mother and child. Also, individuals who are taking blood thinners and patients recovering from surgery should consult with a doctor about whether dry needling would be an appropriate pain-relief option for you.

What Trigger Point Therapy Can Treat

The purpose of trigger point therapy is to release areas of tight, knotted muscles in your body, relieving pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the process. Many health problems are linked to muscle tightness, so this treatment has many effective applications. Talk to a trigger point therapy specialist if you suffer from any of the following:

- Headaches

- Migraines

- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder

- Lower back pain

- Sciatica

- Carpal tunnel syndrome

- Plantar fasciitis

- Osteoarthritis

- Tinnitus

- Sports injuries

Forms of Trigger Point Therapy

Various techniques are used to release trigger points. Your medical provider may recommend trying one or more of the following based on your situation:

1. Massage therapy is an effective way to reach stubborn muscle knots. While you may be able to work out some of the knots with self-massage, it’s best to leave severe trigger points to a licensed massage therapist. Practiced hands can break up trigger point scar tissue and improve blood flow to the area, delivering much-needed oxygen and nutrients to help your muscles heal.

2. Chiropractic care involves manual spinal manipulation. While traditionally designed to treat joint alignment issues, chiropractic adjustments can also treat muscle pain and tightness associated with trigger points. The advanced methodologies available can address the root cause of pain and restricted mobility to improve your overall health and wellness.

3. Dry needling looks similar to acupuncture, but its uses are different. Dry needling is specifically designed to target trigger points that tense up under stress. Sterile, thin monofilament needles prick the knot to help the muscle release into its normal, elongated form.

4. Trigger point injections are a minimally invasive treatment that targets trigger points with a plant-based anti-inflammatory drug called Sarapin. This medication is preferred over corticosteroids because they have the potential to gradually wear out cartilage and tendons. Rest assured that Sarapin injections are always administered by a licensed medical provider.

Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point treatment has several advantages, making it an excellent alternative to conventional pain management approaches. Here are some of the most significant advantages:

1. Better Circulation

Improved circulation is one advantage of trigger point therapy. When muscles are taut, they might impede blood circulation. This may result in various issues, including tiredness, headaches, and vertigo. Trigger point treatment may assist in releasing contracted muscles and enhancing circulation. This may assist enhance your energy levels and general health.

2. Reduced Stress and Tension

Muscle tension may also contribute to stress and tension. Trigger point therapy may help alleviate tension and stress by releasing knots in the muscles. This can result in an overall sense of relaxation.

3. Increased Mobility and Flexibility

If your muscles are stiff, it may be difficult to move freely. This might reduce your range of motion and make it challenging to perform daily tasks. Trigger point treatment may assist in relaxing tense muscles and enhancing mobility. Additionally, tight muscles might make it challenging to accomplish a complete range of motion. This might restrict your mobility and make some tasks difficult. Trigger point treatment may assist in releasing contracted muscles and increasing flexibility.

4. Higher Energy Levels

When your muscles are tense, it may drain your vitality. This is because the body must compensate for the tightness by working harder. Trigger point treatment may assist in releasing contracted muscles and boosting energy levels.

5. Better Sleep

Additionally, tight muscles might make sleeping difficult. This is because they might induce pain and discomfort, making falling and maintaining sleep hard. Trigger point treatment may assist in releasing contracted muscles and enhancing sleep.

6. Pain Relief From A Headache

The head and neck are one of the most typical locations for tense muscles. This may cause great strain and stress, leading to headaches. Trigger point treatment may assist in the relaxation of tense muscles in the head and neck, hence alleviating headache discomfort.

What to Expect from Trigger Point Therapy

In the first several hours, your therapist will examine your health information and symptoms to thoroughly understand your health, activity, and discomfort. Moreover, it’s common for patients to have symptoms they have no idea are caused by trigger points. These indicators can help a therapist pinpoint the muscles that need to be treated. Then, you’ll have a series of physical examinations, including your posture and muscle strength checks. This will assist your therapist in observing how you move and identifying any muscular anomalies. 

In addition, you will undergo a structural evaluation. It’s a test to see whether you have any genetic predispositions to specific trigger points. In this approach, your therapist may treat any underlying anatomical problems contributing to your pain. Sometimes, practitioners may also administer a neurological examination to determine if your discomfort is nerve-related. During this test, they will assess your reflexes or responsiveness to skin sensations.

After that, it’s time for the main event. Depending on your muscle condition, your therapist may ask you to sit or lie down. Next, your therapist will use their hands to locate the distinct tense, bumpy bands of trigger points in your body. Then, they will release the knots by pressing and holding the trigger point.

Don’t be alarmed if your practitioner focuses on muscles seemingly unrelated to your problem. Since 80% of trigger points produce pain in other areas, therapists also concentrate on other muscle groups. For example, a trigger point in your neck may tighten the shoulder muscles. Consequently, this reduces the range of motion and causes discomfort in the affected region.

How to Prepare for a Trigger Point Therapy Session

Before you go to your trigger point therapy session, there are a few things that you can do to prepare. First, it’s important to wear loose-fitting clothing that will not restrict your movement. You will also want to avoid eating a large meal before your session, as this can make you feel uncomfortable.

It’s also helpful to have an idea of what areas of your body are causing you pain. This way, you can let the therapist know where to focus their attention. If you have any medical conditions or allergies, be sure to let the therapist know before the session begins. During the trigger point therapy session, the therapist will use a variety of techniques to release the muscle tension. These techniques can include:

- Pressing on the trigger points

- Stretching the muscles

- Applying heat or cold

- Using electrical stimulation

You may feel a bit of discomfort during the session, but this is normal. The therapist will work with you to ensure that you are comfortable and that the pressure isn’t too intense. After the session, you may feel some soreness in the treated areas. This is also normal and should dissipate within a day or two. If you have any concerns, be sure to follow up with your therapist.

Trigger point therapy can be an effective way to relieve pain and tension in the body. Preparing for your session and knowing what to expect can help ensure you get the most out of your treatment.

How to Find a Therapist

Finding a therapist can be challenging. In order for the partnership to be a success, there must be rapport and trust. You will need to choose a therapist who has experience in the area you would like to work on and who shares your goals with regard to treatment.

A good first step is to ask your insurance company about coverage and to get a list of therapists who are in your network. You can also ask for referrals from your primary care physician or other trusted medical health providers. Friends and family can also offer recommendations, but keep in mind that what is right for your friend may not be right for you.

In addition, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and the American Psychological Association both offer online resources to help you find a therapist.

When you call potential therapists, have a prepared list of questions, including:

- Are you licensed?

- What kind of training have you received?

- What is your specialty or area of expertise?

- What is your treatment orientation?

- What is the cost per session?

- How does scheduling work?

- Will the therapy be time-limited or long-term?

It may also be helpful to "interview" a new therapist and, if you don't click, to try a new one

Sources:

Muscle Therapy Australia

Very Well Health

EG Healthcare

Endeavor Rehab

Very Well Mind

EIH MD

Elite Learning

Chiropractic Clinic

Texas Spine & Sports Therapy

Terry PT

Back to Health

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.