03/16/2026
Let's talk about trigger point therapy — one of the most effective techniques we use in our integrated massage sessions.
As massage therapists, we frequently encounter hyperirritable spots in muscle tissue that refer pain to other areas of the body. These trigger points often develop from repetitive stress, poor posture, or injury. What's fascinating is how a trigger point in your upper trapezius can actually cause headaches, or how points in your piriformis can mimic sciatica symptoms.
During treatment, we apply sustained pressure to these specific points, holding for 30-90 seconds until we feel the tissue release. This technique, supported by research from Dr. Janet Travell's pioneering work, helps restore normal muscle function and breaks the pain-spasm cycle.
Our York community members dealing with chronic neck tension, desk-related pain, or repetitive strain injuries see significant improvement when we incorporate trigger point work into their treatment plans. The key is identifying the source of referral patterns rather than just treating where it hurts.