November 9, 2009

Myofascial Pain – Trigger Points

Trigger points are specific small areas of hypersensitive tight muscle tissue.  They often feel like a lump or knot within the muscle.  They are caused by injury, or more often long term repetitive strain.  Multiple muscle fibres become locked into a constantly tight and contracted state.  This persistent contraction compromises circulation and results in an accumulation of lactic acid and other waste products that cause chemical irriation and consequently pain.

Trigger Point Symptoms

• A lump or knot within the muscle
• Increased tension throughout the entire muscle in which the trigger point is located
• Local pain
• Pain that spreads across the back and possibly into the limbs.  This pain can be elicited when trigger point is pressed
• Muscle twitching possible

Trigger Point Self Help

• Stretching of the muscle in which the trigger point is located
• Tennis ball self massage – lie flat on back and place a tennis ball under the trigger point for 30 seconds or more

Trigger Point Treatment

• Deep tissue sports massage to break down knotted muscle fibres and improve circulation to the affected area
• Sustained firm pressure applied to the trigger point with the thumb or elbow (Trigger point Therapy).   This technique is very similar Thai and Shiatsu massage techniques
• Osteopathic spinal and postural analysis to identify the root cause of the repetitive strain causing the formation of the trigger point
• Osteopathic manipulation to release “facilitated”restricted spinal joints that maybe overstimulating the muscle in which the trigger point is found

Filed under Self diagnosis