What Is a Trigger Point Massage?

If you are experiencing headaches, temporo mandibular joint syndrome, neck stiffness, tennis elbow, bursitis, frozen shoulder, back pain or sciatica, you might benefit from a trigger point massage. Specially trained licensed massage therapists, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants and chiropractors can provide trigger point massage.

Diagnosis

• Trigger points are painful "knots" or nodules in taut bands of muscle tissue. When palpated, trigger points may cause pain and a small, localized twitch in the muscle. Trigger points may also be a cause of pain or numbness in areas far from the actual knot in the muscle.

History

• Dr. Janet G. Travell first published her research on trigger point therapy in 1942. Her use of trigger point therapy to treat President John Kennedy's back pain was so successful she was appointed as his personal physician.

Causes

• Many practitioners believe that trigger points are caused by a trauma or overload on the muscle, which leads to muscle contraction, loss of blood circulation to the area and subsequent pain.

Treatment by a Therapist

• A therapist will conduct a physical examination, observe your movement and posture and ask questions about where you feel pain or numbness. You might sit or lie down on a table. During therapy, the therapist will find and compress the trigger points for a few seconds, applying pressure that may be momentarily uncomfortable.

After a Session

• While you may find relief after just one therapy session, you will probably need to return for several therapy visits. You may feel sore for a day or two after trigger point therapy. Apply ice to the sore areas and drink plenty of fluids.

Self Treatment

• Your therapist can show you how to massage your trigger points at home, using a rubber ball or devices such as a Thera-cane or Backnobber. Your therapist may also recommend stretches you can do at home.