What are trigger points? Trigger point therapy.

Trigger points are described as irritable spots or nodules within taut/tight muscles. They are perhaps more commonly referred to as “muscle knots”. Trigger points can feel very tender, and they can also be responsible for referred pain that is felt elsewhere. Referred pain is felt in a different area from that site that is believed to be causing the pain. For example, a trigger point in your buttock may send the pain down into the leg towards the ankle or toes. Trigger points have very predictable patterns that allow experienced chiropractors to work backwards from the location of your pain to where the area of the trigger point.

What’s the difference between acupuncture points and trigger points?

While some acupuncture and trigger, points may overlap, they are not the same. Acupuncture points are described as concentrated areas of ‘energy’ that develop along ‘meridian lines’ mapped out over the body. Trigger points are palpable (you can feel them) specific adhesions in the myofascial that reproduce referred pain when stimulated (usually by your chiropractor pressing gently into them).

What’s the difference between an active and latent trigger point?

Research has identified two different types of trigger points: active and latent. Active trigger points produce pain constantly or during movement, and can reduce the flexibility of muscles, while latent trigger points are only painful when they’re compressed. Both active and latent trigger points can result in referred pain, but as latent trigger points are only painful when touched, they can go undiscovered and untreated for months or even years.

What causes trigger points?

There are a few theories, with the most common being: – Overuse of the affected muscle. For example, in athletes or in those that perform very repetitively physical tasks as part of their work or for hobbies – Likewise, trigger points are thought to develop in muscles that are not used enough. For example, for those that have very sedentary work.

What does a chiropractor do if I have trigger points?

The chiropractor can use a variety of techniques to reduce trigger points to improve movement and reduce pain. Typically, the chiropractor will: – make sure the patient is comfortable. Depending on symptoms and area, for some it may feel better to sit or lie down. – the chiropractor will locate the trigger point and then apply gentle pressure – the patient will most likely experience a moderate amount of discomfort, but it should always be manageable, and the chiropractor will continue to communicate with you to ensure this is the case -the chiropractor continues to apply pressure until they feel the muscle and trigger point soften They are a variety of modifications to this method, and it will depend on your pain and the diagnosis as to the exact method used. As with any treatment method, It is also important for the chiropractor to take into account patient preference. For example, some chiropractors also use dry needling, which typically involves placing a needle into the trigger point rather than applying pressure manually.