Trigger Point Therapy
Ease Muscle Tension
This technique eases muscle tension. The trigger point on the muscle is compressed in an effort to loosen the built-up of lactic acid, which causes the muscles to tense up. By incorporating this technique, the Chiropractic adjustment is easier to deliver and easier to receive. The patient’s benefit is that it expedites the recovery time and minimizes the number of visits needed to achieve stability of the spine and/or extremities. Achieve Health Maumee offers Maumee Trigger Point Therapy services.
What is Trigger Point Therapy?
Trigger points are a result of muscles being in a contracted phase over an extended period of time. Whether it’s voluntary in a form of repetitive motion, overuse, trauma, and sedentary lifestyle or involuntary in a form of stress, the muscle produces more lactic acid than the blood supply can carry away. As the lactic acid accumulates in the muscle it forms a trigger point or a knot in the muscle. This knot causes the muscle to shorten, pulling on the bones it attaches to, causing possible misalignments of the vertebrae, restricting joint motion, and producing pain. Over time, these imbalances can create a cycle of discomfort that worsens without proper intervention. Addressing the root causes through manual therapy, lifestyle changes, and corrective exercises can help break this cycle and restore balance to the musculoskeletal system.
The knotted muscle will cause a decrease in circulation, may increase the probability of increased muscle contraction and spasms, and increases the nerve sensitivity from mild to severe pain. They can cause referred pain. For example, a tight muscle in the neck can contribute to headaches. A tight muscle in the buttock can contribute or be the cause of sciatica, a painful condition of nerve pain that radiates down the back of the leg. Because trigger points can mimic other conditions, they are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. This is why a thorough assessment and personalized treatment approach are essential for achieving lasting relief and improved function.
What You Should Know About Trigger Point Therapy
It took a while for the muscle to get into that tight condition, and it will likely take more than one session to get rid of it. Like releasing the pendulum on a clock, on the first swing it almost gets back to the original position. Likewise, after the first session the muscles will tend to tighten up again. As the chronically tight muscles are reconditioned they will start to get the idea of where they should be. Learning stress management techniques and stretching will help minimize the muscle tightness. Nutrients can also help with muscle tension. Staying consistent with your treatment plan and following your provider’s recommendations will give your body the best chance to heal. With time and the right support, long-term relief is possible.
Example
This is a prime example of trigger points (marked with the X) and the red area represents the referred pain. Working the sternocleidomastoid’s trigger points can relieve the pain marked in red. Who would think that the frontal headache might be caused by a knot on the side of the neck? Every muscle has its unique trigger point(s) and areas of referred pain. Listening to the patient’s complaint is crucial to working the correct trigger points. A skilled practitioner can often identify hidden sources of pain by combining anatomical knowledge with patient feedback. This makes communication between provider and patient an essential part of effective treatment.
Every muscle has it unique trigger point(s) and areas of referred pain. Listening to the patient’s complaint is crucial to working the correct trigger points.