28/10/2021
💥TRIGGER POINT TECHNIQUE💥
This technique can be one of the most satisfying to use as a therapist as I like to describe it as feeling your muscles melting in my hands. 🙌
What is a trigger point (TrP)?
A hyperirritable, fibrous nodule found within soft tissue that is tender and can produce pain locally or in a referral pattern along with altered proprioceptive changes when pressed.
They can develop due to injury, postural imbalances, repetitive strain, chronic stress (think painful upper traps!), lack of exercise and aging factors. TrPs produce weakening of the muscle as they prevent its ability to both fully lengthen and contract.
There are two types of TrPs being primary and satellite. Primary TrPs are well established and located centrally within the tissue whereas satellite TrPs may develop close to central ones along pain referral patterns. It is important to resolve central TrPs first as this will often cause satellite TrPs to resolve on their own.
Trigger points have the ability to develop within soft tissues including:
* Muscle
* Tendon
* Ligament
* Fat pads
* Periosteum
* Joint capsule
Technique
Using thumb, elbow or knuckle the therapist sinks into the site of the trigger point until resistance is met. This level of pressure is held until a release is felt where the tissue relaxes.
Initially pain may increase with a pain referral pattern indicative to that specific point.
The pain will then dissipate as the trigger point resolves. The therapist may need to keep repositioning for subsequent releases within the tissue until the trigger point is fully resolved which can take up to 2 mins.
***Please remember that this technique is always used in conjunction with the client’s pain threshold. Only working within a 7/10 on the pain scale.
