Trigger point massage applies targeted pressure to relieve muscular pain and dysfunction. This therapy inhibits overactive trigger points that cause sore, knotted muscles. If you suffer from chronic discomfort, discovering a qualified therapist for trigger point treatment in your area can provide lasting relief.
What is Trigger Point Massage?
Meta description: Learn how trigger point massage works to deactivate muscular trigger points and relieve referred pain from knotted, spasming muscles.
Trigger points are hyperirritable knots that form within muscle and fascial tissue. These knots may feel taut and painful when pressed. Trigger points contribute to stiffness, restricted range of motion, tenderness and referred pain – discomfort felt in areas away from the trigger point location.
Trigger point massage utilizes fingers, thumbs, elbows or tools to apply focused pressure to these irritated knots. This compression helps break up tight muscular adhesions, increase blood flow, and deactivate the trigger points. Pressure is held for 10-30 seconds and repeated until the point softens and referred pain dissipates.
Regular trigger point therapy can provide lasting relief by targeting the root causes of chronic myofascial pain.
Benefits of Trigger Point Massage
Meta description: Discover the many benefits of trigger point massage therapy for chronic pain conditions, muscle tightness, neuropathy, headache relief and improved range of motion.
Trigger point treatment offers a host of potential benefits, including:
- Decreased muscle stiffness, knotting and spasm
- Reduced myofascial pain caused by trigger points
- Restored range of motion and flexibility
- Relief from neuropathy, numbness and tingling
- Less frequent headaches and migraines
- Enhanced athletic recovery and decreased risk of injury
- Improved posture from releasing tight muscles
- Reduced chronic neck, shoulder and back discomfort
- Corrects muscle imbalances that contribute to pain
- Breaks cycles of pain and spasm
Who Provides Trigger Point Therapy?
Meta description: Find out what training and credentials massage therapists need to perform effective trigger point release treatment and address chronic muscle pain.
There are several types of professionals trained in administering trigger point massage:
- Massage Therapists – Ask about certification in neuromuscular therapy (NMT) or myofascial release (MFR) for specialized trigger point skills.
- Physical Therapists – May combine trigger point work with exercises and stretches.
- Chiropractors – Some chiropractic offices have massage therapists on staff.
- Acupuncturists – Many acupuncturists are also trained in trigger point needling.
- Physician Assistants – PAs can learn trigger point injection techniques.
Ideally, look for an experienced professional with advanced credentials who routinely performs trigger point therapy. Members of professional massage organizations like the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) must adhere to ethical codes and complete ongoing education.
How to Find Trigger Point Massage Near Me
Searching online and asking for personal referrals are the best ways to find qualified trigger point massage in your local area:
Online Directories
Check Google Maps and directories like Yelp. Search “trigger point massage near me” or related terms and read reviews.
Cross-reference with therapist websites to learn about their credentials, modalities and experience with trigger point therapy.
Professional Organizations
AMTA and Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) have member directories you can search by location and specialty.
Doctor Referrals
Ask your doctor for referrals to physical therapists, chiropractors or massage therapists skilled in trigger point release.
Friends and Family
Speaking to people you trust about their experiences with trigger point treatment can help you find someone skilled.
Pain Clinics
Multidisciplinary pain clinics may offer trigger point massage or refer you to vetted massage therapists.
Questions to Ask Potential Trigger Point Therapists
Once you have a few possible practitioners on your list, interview them to find the right fit. Key questions include:
- How many years have you performed trigger point therapy?
- What is your training and credentials specific to trigger point massage?
- What other modalities do you practice?
- Do you have experience successfully treating my condition(s)?
- What can I expect during treatment sessions?
- How will you customize the pressure and techniques to meet my needs?
- Do you provide referrals for other pain therapies if needed?
A knowledgeable trigger point therapist will be able to explain their qualifications, describe the treatment process, set expectations, and address your specific health concerns.
Most Frequently Asked Trigger Point Massage Questions
Looking into local trigger point massage options? Here are answers to some typical inquiries:
Does trigger point massage hurt?
There may be mild discomfort during compression. Pain should subside after treatment. Done correctly, it shouldn’t exacerbate pain. Let your therapist know if any techniques are too uncomfortable.
How often should you get trigger point therapy?
Chronic pain often requires multiple sessions, like once per week. As you improve, frequency can be reduced. Schedule maintenance appointments to prevent flare-ups.
Should trigger points be massaged daily?
Generally, no. Daily self-massage can irritate the area. Professionals recommend 1-2x weekly max. Use other pain relief like heat, stretching and exercise on off days.
What does a trigger point feel like?
Trigger points may feel like tense, sensitive bundles or knots within muscle tissue. Palpation causes localized pain at the trigger point that radiates to other areas (referred pain).
Can trigger point therapy worsen pain?
If performed too aggressively, it can temporarily worsen pain. A skilled therapist will modify pressure and techniques based on your feedback for gradual pain relief.
In summary, receiving regular trigger point massage from a qualified professional can provide lasting relief from chronic myofascial pain. Be sure to invest time finding an experienced local therapist. Consistency with your treatment plan is key to successfully reducing trigger points long-term.
