What is trigger point release?
The approach aims to apply continuous pressure on muscle tension points (trigger points) in order to promote their release. It involves two distinct mechanisms: an increase in blood flow to the area worked on and the sending of messages to the nervous system to block pain signals.
A few words on trigger points
Trigger points are knots in the muscles that are easily recognisable because they are sensitive and painful to the touch. They are most often found along long muscle chains such as those in the shoulders, neck, back and legs.
Various factors can explain the formation of these tension points. Often they are caused by overuse of a muscle, for example during rapid, intense, repetitive or sustained movement. Excess weight, lack of exercise, poor posture or prolonged stress can also cause them to appear.
One of the particularities of trigger points is that they can cause local pain at the site where the pressure is applied, but also at a distance, i.e. in another part of the body. This is called referred pain. For example, a point in the buttock muscle could be associated with a twinge in the calf. Similarly, a twinge in the eye or head could be caused by a tight spot in the trapezius, a muscle in the upper back.
What are the benefits of trigger point therapy?
The following are some of the benefits of the approach:
- Release of muscle tension
- Relief of pain (local or referred) associated with trigger points
- Increased flexibility and range of motion
- Improved posture
- Possible reduction in the frequency of headaches and migraines
Contraindications
Although trigger point therapy is generally considered safe, there are some contraindications to the approach, for example
- Open wound or injury
- Active infection
- Fever
- Recent surgery
- Severe osteoporosis
It should be noted that the massage therapist always collects information from the client before beginning the session. This information will be used, among other things, to identify any contraindications to the approach. In doing so, the massage therapist may refer the client to the appropriate medical resource or adjust the treatment accordingly to ensure safety.
Course of the session
A treatment aimed at releasing trigger points takes place on a massage table. The massage therapist may work over the client’s clothing or directly on the skin.
The massage therapist will begin the session by gathering information about the client’s general state of health, which will allow him/her to adapt the treatment. To do this, the therapist will have the client fill out a health questionnaire and interview them to determine their needs, locate painful areas and identify any contraindications to trigger point therapy.
Once the client is on the massage table, the massage therapist will target the points to be worked on and massage these areas to warm them up. The therapist will then apply continuous but increasing pressure to each point. The pressure will be maintained for an average of 30 to 90 seconds, until muscle relaxation occurs.
If the pressure is maintained for a longer or shorter period of time, the person may feel discomfort or pain at the point of tension. However, these must always remain within a tolerable range for the client. To achieve this, continuous feedback between the massage therapist and the client is essential throughout the session.
A trigger point release treatment can last from 60 to 90 minutes depending on the reason for the consultation and the needs of the person. More than one appointment may be required.
Notes :
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Although a session may be devoted exclusively to trigger point release, the approach is often integrated into a massage therapy session.