According to WebMD, “myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a fancy way to describe muscle pain. It refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissues. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles). It may involve either a single muscle or a muscle group. In some cases, the area where a person experiences the pain may not be where the myofascial pain generator is located. Experts believe that the actual site of the injury or the strain prompts the development of a trigger point that, in turn, causes pain in other areas. This situation is known as referred pain.
What is trigger point therapy?
Have you ever heard of the therapy called Trigger Point Therapy? If you have muscular aches and pains or go to a massage therapist, it is likely they have mentioned this modality to you.
Trigger point therapy is an alternative therapy. The benefits of which include a focus on detecting and releasing trigger points. Trigger points are located in the skeletal muscle and are spots that produce pain when compressed. As a result of trauma to the muscle fibers, trigger points form.
Causes of trigger points
Trigger points are tight knots of muscle in your back, shoulders and neck, that make movement difficult and painful. One of the common causes of neck and back pain is a trigger point. To locate a trigger point, you press on a bump of tense tissue which will radiates pain. You’ve found your trigger point.
Causes of trigger points
There are many causes of trigger points which can include:
- strain,
- injury to muscle fibers,
- repetitive motion,
- immobilization that results in lack of muscle activity for a period of time,
- Being on a computer working intensely for long hours,
- Weekend athletes overworking their muscles too much,
- Poor posture, or
- Too much vigorous activity in your garden or house choices.
Home trigger point treatments
If you don’t have time to get into see your Massage Therapist or you are in-between appointments, “there are a number of steps you can take at home to relax the muscle and ease the pain.
- If pain flares up right after activity, use an ice pack to reduce inflammation. If achy soreness persists over a period of time, or if you wake up with sore muscles, try applying a heating pad to help ease muscle tightness.
- Massaging the trigger point may loosen the knot and encourage the muscle to relax.
- Anti-inflammatories can relieve muscle pain.
- Pay attention to activities that aggravate the trigger point, and avoid problematic actions if you can. If an uncomfortable workspace is contributing to muscle tension, try a more ergonomic desk chair. Keep in mind that trigger points can be a response to mental as well as physical stress.
- Adjust your routine to include aerobic exercises that engage neck and shoulder muscles. A set of jumping jacks, stretches, or swimming can stretch and warm the trapezoid muscles, easing muscle tension,” reports Summit Orthopedics.
Give us a call at 727-772-0220 to massage out your trigger points and give you pain relief.
I Got Your Back Massage Therapy is conveniently located at 1684 Alternate 19 in Palm Harbor. Our massage therapists are skilled in a number of techniques to help you improve your physical and mental health, including relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, reiki, and aromatherapy. Contact the professionals at I Got Your Back Massage Therapy and set up an appointment.
