Veridical Therapies

Trigger Point Massage Therapy

Are you tired of living with cricks in your neck or knots in your shoulder? These aches and pains may be due to Trigger Points within your body. At Veridical Therapies, our team of skilled Trigger Point Massage Therapists utilizes proven techniques designed to treat these points and facilitate long-term results.

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What is Trigger Point Massage Therapy?

Trigger Points are hyperirritable spots located in muscles and fascia. Myofascial trigger points often cause pain to referral zones. Trigger points can manifest anywhere on the body and cause chronic musculoskeletal pain, also known as myofascial pain. A trained Veridical Therapies trigger point massage therapists will utilize proven techniques designed to treat these points and facilitate long-term results.

We identify myofascial trigger points as painful areas in a muscle. These microscopic changes occur in muscle fibers causing them to contract and shorten. Overloading muscle structures or improper loading can be one of the culprits behind chronic trigger points. Other theories suggest oxygen and nutrient deficits may compromise the musculature leading to the trigger points. No matter the cause, the soft tissue contraction typically does not resolve on its own.

Over the years, we've learned that trigger points are a significant cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, therapists often overlook the treatment of trigger points in pain management. Perhaps this is due to the fact trigger points may not be painful other than to direct pressure.

Referral pains are how we determine the origins of the trigger point. Pain origin and where triggers manifests may be different. Low back pain is often related to trigger points in the abdominal region, while headaches stem from trigger points in the neck, such as the scalenes.

The referred pain is a characteristic feature of myofascial trigger points, which is why we use the words "Trigger Point "since it relates to one area triggering pain through specific regions.

Benefits of Trigger Point Massage Therapy

We'll work with you to identify the source of your pain and discomfort. From there, we will put together a therapy schedule custom built for your specific needs. Some patients report a significant decrease in aches and pains after a single session - though many patients will opt for a longer treatment schedule for continued relief and improvement.

Benefits of trigger point massage therapy include:

  • Alleviation of Aches and Pains
  • Decreased Headaches
  • Improved Range of Motion and Flexibility
  • Better Posture
  • Reduced Post-Workout Muscle Soreness
  • Increased Blood Flow

What Causes Muscular Pain Anyway?

Muscular pain has been a topic of great concern and studied for centuries. The most recognized were coined by Dr. Janet Travell, MD (1901-1997). In 1960 Dr. Travell began working with Dr. David G. Simons, MD, further to explore trigger points and myofascial pain.

In 1983, Simons and Travell's work entitled "Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction - The Trigger Point Manual" was published. Travells experience in orthopedics, rheumatology, and physiotherapy changed the understanding and treatment approach to chronic pain patterns.

Since 1983, massage therapists, doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and other health professionals worldwide have applied trigger point therapy in their practice.

Microlesions in the muscle fiber organ called sarcoplasmic reticulum occur. Muscular overload can trigger this effect via injury or overuse. The sarcoplasmic reticulum is a membrane system within the muscle fiber.

One of the functions of the sarcoplasmic reticulum is to transport and store calcium ions. Lesions in the sarcoplasmic reticulum system may lead to the excessive release of calcium ions and sustained muscle fibers' contractions. Calcium triggers muscle fiber contractions, which is why we believe this occurs.

Simultaneous contractions in a specific region in the muscle may form a taut band that is easily palpable by trained practitioners. Sustained muscular contractions lead to poor circulation in that area due to the circulatory system's local compression, preventing sufficient oxygen supply to the muscle, inhibiting the muscular healing factor.

Category: Services · By Veridical Therapies · July 07, 2020

Author: Veridical Therapies

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