Learn More:  Trigger Points

A common source of acute and chronic issues, Trigger points(TrPs) are hyper-irritable spots that can cause localized pain and tenderness as well as referred pain.  There are many causative factors for TrPs including repetitive overuse, physical trauma, postural imbalance, lack of activity, sleep disturbances and nutritional deficiencies. The current descriptive model for TrPs is the Integrated Trigger Point Hypothesis (ITPH).

ITPH describes when the small functional units of muscle tissue (sarcomeres and motor end plates) become overactive. This overactivity leads to permanent micro-contraction of muscle fibers, which subsequently leads to a local inflammatory response, loss of oxygen supply, loss of nutrient supply, involuntary shortening of muscle fibers, and increased metabolic demand on local tissues.

The goal of treatment for TrPs is two-fold: to release contracted muscle fibers and to increase circulation to the affected area in order to bring oxygen and nutrients to the tissue as well as remove metabolic wastes. After TrPs are released the work of addressing postural imbalances and repetitive use patterns can begin.

There are many techniques to effectively address TrPs with massage therapy. These include manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), Trigger point pressure point therapy (TRT), positional release (also known as strain counter strain), and Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT).