A “trigger point” is actually a restriction or adhesion in the body’s myofascial matrix. Trigger points can cause pain at the specific location of the adhesion, or the trigger point can refer pain to other areas of the body. By releasing the “trigger” (or myofascial restriction) this referred pain is eliminated.
The purpose of trigger point therapy is to eliminate the myofascial knot or restriction in order to help you resume pain free movement. Trigger point therapy will also assist in reducing swelling and stiffness of neuromuscular pain. You may also find that your range of motion is increased, tension is relieved, while circulation, flexibility and coordination are improved.
For many, trigger point therapy is the solution to relieving or eliminating chronic headaches. The attached picture shows the complexity of trigger point pain referral patterns. The “X”‘s indicate potential trigger point locations and the red areas show the pain referral patterns that you would feel as a headache. Our Vancouver massage therapists are trained in locating and eliminating trigger points.
