Trigger Point Massage
Trigger Point Therapy is a form of massage that focuses on trigger points in the body. These are not the same as the points used in acupressure, but are physical points in the body that are caused by trauma, cause pain and can be felt by touch. They are very common and cause tight muscle bands, vague body pain and inflexibility.
There are two types of trigger points: active and latent. An active trigger point hurts without being touched and if it is pressed on, it will send the pain to another part of the body. Latent trigger points only hurt when they are touched and they will not send the pain elsewhere in the body.
The most obvious and instantaneous benefit of trigger point therapy is pain relief, but there are many more benefits that can be achieved over time with trigger point therapy, including the following:
- Increased range of motion
- More flexibility
- Better circulation
- Reduced stiffness
The above benefits all take time and several treatments. This is because multiple treatments help to teach the muscles how to move without causing as much pain.
Trigger Point Therapy is not comfortable, relaxing work; there is some discomfort during treatment, but that is not to say that you'll be crying throughout a session and there is much relief afterwards.