Trigger points, also known as muscle knots are areas within skeletal muscles that are hyperirritable. These knots can cause pain and tenderness to areas that are actually distant from the underlying cause. Knots within the muscles occur when the muscles are injured or over worked over a period of time and become tight which can lead to the development of knots. Trigger points are best described as the localised area within connective tissue and muscles that develop sensitivity to pain once compressed.
Above: Trigger point massage on trapezius and anterior scalene muscles
Trigger points therapy is used to relieve aches and pains and muscular tension. It is used to help redevelop the muscles working potential such as gaining an increase in range of movement whilst decreasing the amount of pain in the process.
Trigger point therapy is not just aimed at a specific population but rather anybody that has a build-up of tension within the muscles and connective tissue. The specialists at Liverpool Physio will be able to assess their clients to see whether the underlying problems are caused by muscle knots and pain within the muscles that need releasing through trigger point therapy.
Who it can help:-
Above: Trigger point massage technique applied to trapezius muscle
Trigger point therapy is often used to treat a number of musculoskeletal conditions that cause pain and limit range of movement. Trigger point therapy incorporated into regular massage treatment can have a number of benefits such as:-
Trigger points are hyperirritable points within the muscular make up. The muscles are comprised of tiny sarcomeres that enable the muscle to contract enabling us with movement. When these sarcomeres become confined to a state of constant tension and are interlocked this then creates a flow of negative processes such as poor blood flow to the area, inflammation resulting in overall pain. This process can happen anywhere within the body but the actual pain felt can be felt in areas distant from the site underlying problematic site.
Trigger point therapy works by using applied pressure to the site of where the muscle knot is and sustaining pressure to the area for a period of time so that the pain receptors can be stimulated and block the feeling of pain. A deeper and more sustained pressure will enable the release of the soft tissue structures which will allow an increase of blood flow to the area which can lead to a reduction in muscle spasms and aid in the removal of metabolic waste products.
Above: Trigger point massage on gastrocnemius
Trigger point therapy incorporated into regular massage sessions could be the fine line between constant or a complete reduction of pain. The specialists at Liverpool Physio are highly trained in assessing whether pain and a lack of range of movement is the underlying cause of a specific problem. Through the use of trigger point therapy an improved quality of life can be maintained.
How to book an appointment
For more information regarding trigger point therapy or to arrange an appointment with one of our specialist physiotherapists then you can email us at office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
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Above: Trigger point massage on trapezius and anterior scalene musclesTrigger points therapy is used to relieve aches and pains and muscular tension. It is used to help redevelop the muscles working potential such as gaining an increase in range of movement whilst decreasing the amount of pain in the process.
Who can trigger point therapy hep?
Trigger point therapy is not just aimed at a specific population but rather anybody that has a build-up of tension within the muscles and connective tissue. The specialists at Liverpool Physio will be able to assess their clients to see whether the underlying problems are caused by muscle knots and pain within the muscles that need releasing through trigger point therapy.
Who it can help:-
- Those suffering from fibromyalgia
- Athletes of all levels
- People in sedentary occupations
- Post event workouts
- Pre event workouts
- Chronic pain
- Post workout
- Relaxation
- Tight muscles
- DOMS (Delayed onset muscles soreness)
Above: Trigger point massage technique applied to trapezius muscleThe benefits of trigger point therapy
Trigger point therapy is often used to treat a number of musculoskeletal conditions that cause pain and limit range of movement. Trigger point therapy incorporated into regular massage treatment can have a number of benefits such as:-
- Improved flexibility
- Decrease muscle stiffness
- Increase range of movement
- Pain reduction
- Improved circulation
- Correction of neurological muscle imbalances
- Increase in muscle strength
How trigger point therapy works
Trigger points are hyperirritable points within the muscular make up. The muscles are comprised of tiny sarcomeres that enable the muscle to contract enabling us with movement. When these sarcomeres become confined to a state of constant tension and are interlocked this then creates a flow of negative processes such as poor blood flow to the area, inflammation resulting in overall pain. This process can happen anywhere within the body but the actual pain felt can be felt in areas distant from the site underlying problematic site.
Trigger point therapy works by using applied pressure to the site of where the muscle knot is and sustaining pressure to the area for a period of time so that the pain receptors can be stimulated and block the feeling of pain. A deeper and more sustained pressure will enable the release of the soft tissue structures which will allow an increase of blood flow to the area which can lead to a reduction in muscle spasms and aid in the removal of metabolic waste products.
Above: Trigger point massage on gastrocnemiusSummary
Trigger point therapy incorporated into regular massage sessions could be the fine line between constant or a complete reduction of pain. The specialists at Liverpool Physio are highly trained in assessing whether pain and a lack of range of movement is the underlying cause of a specific problem. Through the use of trigger point therapy an improved quality of life can be maintained.
How to book an appointment
For more information regarding trigger point therapy or to arrange an appointment with one of our specialist physiotherapists then you can email us at office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
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