MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS

Myofascial trigger points are painful, hyper-irritable areas in muscle that cause pain, discomfort, stiffness and limited range of motion.  These are commonly known as knots.

Pain may be local to the site or the pain may refer or travel in a specific pattern.  Take for example the referral pattern of the “gluteus” medius muscle “middle buttock”. Its trigger point pain referral may travel down the back of the leg mimicking a disc problem.

WHAT CAUSES MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS

There are several things that cause or may lead to trigger points

- repetitive movement of a single muscle

- prolonged use of a single muscle

- sedentary lifestyle

- poor posture – neck, between shoulder blades and back effected most

- lifting weights

-emotional stress that lead to muscle tension

How to Treat Myofascial Trigger Points
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy

The most common way that you are familiar with is ischemic compression. Ischemia means lack of blood supply.

The purpose of ischemic compression is to deliberately increase the blockage of blood to an area so that, upon release, there will be a resurgence of blood. This washes away waste products, supplies necessary oxygen and helps the affected tissue to heal. This increase of blood flow to the area is called a hyperemia.

This type of treatment is deep and specific so it necessary that you warm up the tissues first.

Here is a simple procedure to follow

1. Effleurage –superficial –deep –superficial
2. Petrissage
3. Muscle stripping
4. Effleurage
5. Take the relaxed muscle into a stretch until there is a little discomfort.
6. Press a finger or thumb directly on TP to tolerable pain (7-8 out of 10) –sustain this pressure
7. As discomfort decreases, increase pressure gradually for 60 -90 seconds.
8. Add heat and stretch.  The stretch is vital so it may regain memory for its length.

Give at least two days between sessions.  On average 3 to 10 treatments are needed to restore optimal function.

There are other methods such as needling, spray and stretch and even injections.

Even though ischemic compression is popular for trigger points ; many trigger points may be released through muscle stripping and/or myofascial release. The key is to warm the muscle to allow for deeper work.