Trigger points refer to sensitive spots in soft tissue and can lead to discomfort in various areas of the body. The pain is typically dull and aching and ranges from mild to severe. These points can also cause tingling, numbness, dizziness, earaches, and heartburn. This condition is most likely to develop after an acute muscular strain from a car accident, fall, or excessive exercise. Trigger point therapy is an effective way to treat the pain and immobility associated with specific areas of the body. 

What Is Trigger Point Therapy?

Trigger point therapy involves using moderate pressure to increase movement, reduce pain, and strengthen muscles. During this treatment, a massage therapist will find your trigger point by pressing a finger down on the muscle tissue.

They will have you rate the severity of the pain from one (minimal discomfort) to ten (excruciating). Your therapist will increase the amount of pressure applied to the points until your pain is at a level five or six. Then, they will keep a steady pressure until your pain goes down to a level two. Once this occurs, the point is deactivated.

Let your therapist know right away if the pain is too much to handle. Extreme discomfort can cause your muscles to tense up, which may prevent the technique from working properly.

What Should I Expect After Treatment?

After the therapy, you may experience some soreness in the treated areas for a couple of days. It’s also not uncommon to feel more tired for a day or two. To speed up the recovery, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities, and apply heat to sore areas. 

Trigger point therapy will eliminate your pain and improve your quality of life. If you have additional questions about the treatment, talk to Malia Grimes at Hands-On Health Massage & Physical Therapy in High Point, NC. She is an expert at pain relief and will do everything to make you feel as comfortable as possible. To schedule an appointment, call (336) 906-2040 or visit her website for more information.