Muscle Anthropology works to bring you to a better state of mind (and body) through various types of massage including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and more. Did you know, though, that you can also receive healing from us through trigger point therapy? If you have specific areas of your body that are causing you trouble, this service can be combined with other treatments to bring you the relief you’ve been seeking for a while now. So, what is trigger point therapy? How does it work? Are the effects immediate? Let’s find out!

Defining Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy originated from studies completed by Dr. Janet Travell in the late 1950s. This type of massage encompasses techniques completed by a licensed massage therapist using their hands, elbows, or even hot or cold compresses, to apply pressure to sensitive areas. These sensitive areas, or trigger points as Dr. Travell called them, are created when the individual muscle cells in that area become shortened. This gives you that tight, knotted feeling and can be caused by overuse during workouts, sports, stress, and more.

The ultimate goals for this type of procedure are to release muscle tension, assist in managing pain, and improve your quality of life.

Four Different Types

There are at least four different types of trigger point therapy. They all have the same goal, of course, of releasing knots and muscle tension.

First, some people seek relief through injections. This allows a local anesthetic to relax muscles in the immediate area, disrupting the signal to your brain that you are in pain. In similar fashion, just minus the injection aspect, others resort to dry needling. In this procedure, very tiny needles are injected into your skin to stimulate the muscles underneath. If needles and injections aren’t your thing, there is also a spray and stretch technique. Your massage therapist can spray the affected area with a surface anesthetic to momentarily numb your pain, then stretch the muscle group of concern.

For the purposes of this article, we are going to go a little more in depth on the fourth method: manual trigger point therapy.

What to Expect

Manual trigger point therapy is a well known way to bring relief to your muscle pain. Depending on the area, you may even be able to do it yourself! Although, we always recommend professional insight to prevent injury.

This method of trigger point therapy is done by physically feeling for the knots within your muscles, applying pressure for 20-30 seconds, and then releasing. This process will likely be repeated a few times until your pain alleviates. This, combined with other traditional massage techniques, may be the solution to the pain you’ve been experiencing for years.

Benefits and Risks

Massage always brings a slew of benefits when done correctly and routinely. Trigger point therapy is no different! See better circulation, reduced stress, increased mobility, better sleep, and more. However, you will also want to be cautious of the risks. Due to the chemicals released in your body throughout the procedure, you may feel a little fatigued for a day or so. Your muscles will also likely be sore as they get used to not being so knotted up.

Come in For a Consultation

When in doubt, or if you have any concerns, talk to your massage therapist beforehand! We understand that trigger point therapy may or may not be for everyone. We want to help you find a solution that works for you! Come visit us a Muscle Anthropology so we can get you on the path to a better, healthier future.