Muscle pain can be a persistent and debilitating issue for many people. It can result from stress, poor posture, or physical exertion and reduce one’s quality of life. However, there are many effective ways of addressing muscle pain. One popular method is trigger point therapy, a technique chiropractors use to target specific muscle tension areas for relief.
What Are Trigger Points and Their Impact on the Body
A trigger point is a localised, sensitive spot within the muscle that feels like a nodule. It is also known as a knot. Trigger points are tender to the touch and can cause or refer pain to the surrounding body parts. For instance, a trigger point in the neck might cause shoulder pain.
Trigger points can cause regional, persistent pain that decreases the range of motion in the affected muscles. These include muscles that maintain body posture, such as the neck, back, and pelvis.
Trigger points can also manifest as tension headache, tinnitus, joint pain, and even conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Referred pain makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of discomfort and can result in misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment.
How Trigger Point Therapy Works
Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to the trigger points to release the tension and reduce pain. Here’s how it works:
Identifying Trigger Points
Identifying the trigger points is the first step in therapy. Chiros will use a combination of patient history and physical examination to identify the trigger points. They’ll palpate the muscles to locate areas of tenderness and tightness.
Treatment Techniques
Various techniques can be used in trigger point therapy, including:
- Manual pressure: This involves applying sustained pressure to the trigger point to help it release.
- Dry needling: Chiros will insert a thin needle into the trigger point to stimulate relaxation.
- Massage therapy: Physical therapists use massage techniques to increase blood flow and reduce muscle tension.
- Stretching and exercise: Chiropractors can recommend incorporating specific stretches and exercises to improve muscle function and prevent the recurrence of trigger points.
The Process
During a typical session, the chiropractor or therapist applies pressure to the trigger points using their hands or specialised tools. This may cause some discomfort initially, but it should not be excruciating. The goal is to feel a “release” in the muscle, often accompanied by pain reduction and increased range of motion.
The number of sessions needed can vary depending on the severity of the trigger points and the individual’s response to treatment.
Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy in Chiropractic Care
Trigger point therapy offers many advantages, especially when integrated into care from the team at our chiro chiropractor Brisbane.
Pain Relief and Management
One of the primary benefits of trigger point therapy is pain relief. Trigger point treatment targets the source of pain rather than addressing the symptoms, thus providing more effective and lasting relief. This therapy can significantly reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain and referred pain in other body parts.
Improved Mobility
Trigger points can restrict muscle movement and flexibility. By releasing these points, trigger point therapy can help restore normal muscle function and improve the range of motion. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions like frozen shoulder or chronic back pain, where mobility is often compromised.
Enhance Muscle Function
Trigger points can weaken muscles and reduce their ability to function properly. Trigger point therapy allows muscles to work more efficiently and effectively by restoring normal muscle tone and strength. It can also help prevent injuries by ensuring that muscles function optimally.
Complementary to Chiropractic Care
Trigger point therapy is a natural complement to chiropractic care. Chiropractors often use it with spinal adjustments and other treatments to address musculoskeletal issues more comprehensively. By releasing trigger points, chiropractors ensure that the muscles and joints are working together optimally and enhance the overall effectiveness of the therapy.
Your Journey to Wellness
If you’re struggling with muscle pain, trigger point therapy might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Our skilled therapists at Our Chiro Brisbane are trained to identify and treat trigger points to provide the relief you need.
Schedule an appointment with us today and experience the benefits of trigger point therapy.
Our Chiro Brisbane is a friendly, local chiropractic clinic serving Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Newstead, Teneriffe, and surrounding areas.
REFERENCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/muscle-aches
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11871683/
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/carpal-tunnel-syndrome
https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-relief/referred-pain
https://www.verywellhealth.com/trigger-point-2696165
