Trigger Point Therapy - Techniques and Self Massage Tools
What is Trigger Point?
Trigger point refers to the tiny areas of muscle stiffness (can be smaller than a pinhead up to a pea size) that are the consequences of small contraction knots that progress in the tissue and muscle area when the body gets injured or is overworked. They can be discrete and hyperritable spots and "triggers" a throbbing response, hence the name.
However, trigger points is far from being a mere tender nodule as this can affect not just the muscle where it is located but at the same time, this can also cause a "referred pain" in the nerves' supplied tissues. Aside from muscle pain, they can also manifest in other forms such as tension headache, tinnitus, back pain and decrease motion in the limbs.
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What are Some Forms of Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points that develop in the muscles are painful upon compression and can influence tenderness ans pain to other areas of the body. They can contribute to an over all variety of painful conditions and can cause muscles to be weak and tight. There are several therapy and treatments available in order to alleviate this condition. This includes self help with the use of a workbook and trigger point therapy tools and working with a professional therapist.
Trigger point therapy comes in different forms and some of the options available are discussed below:
#1 Trigger Point Therapy Tools
Body Back Buddy & Mini-BBB Self Massage Tool Duo: Trigger Point ReliefCHECK PRICE
Trigger Point Performance Self Myofascial Release and Deep Tissue Massage Starter SetCHECK PRICE
Neck King - Hands-free Trigger Point Self Massage Tool for the Neck and BackCHECK PRICE
Travell and Simons' Trigger Point Flip ChartsCHECK PRICE
Trigger Points of Pain: Wall Charts (Set of 2)CHECK PRICE
Trigger Point Chart Set: Torso and ExtremitiesCHECK PRICE
Top Rated Self Help Books - Workbook that targets specific areas of the body
# 3 Massage Therapy
Trigger point therapy using massage is particularly designed in order to lessen the pain source through the use of various cycles of isolated release and pressure. For this kind of massage, the recipient will participate actively by deep breathing and determining the exact spot and intensity of discomfort. The benefits and results of trigger point massage therapy focus on releasing the muscles' constricted areas in order to reduce the pain. In a single treatment, one can already experience a remarkable pain reduction. Undergoing massage regularly will naturally help in managing stress and pain brought by chronic injuries.
Body Back Buddy Trigger Point MassagerCHECK PRICE
Gurin Massage RollerCHECK PRICE
Body Back Buddy Classic Trigger Point Massager - Pain Relief Self Massage Tool - The Best Self Massage Tool CHECK PRICE
# 4 Centers that offer therapy/treatment
Therapy or treatment for trigger points is now being offered. Some of the methods that can be used by therapists include myotherapy, pulsed ultrasound, mechanical vibration, dry needling, ischemic compression, electrostimulation, stretching techniques, Low Level Laser therapy, and "spray-and-stretch."
Trigger Point Performance Cold Roller: Foam Roller Alternative for Myofascial Release and Cold Compression RecoveryCHECK PRICE
Trigger Point Performance The Grid Revolutionary Foam Roller with SMRT-CORE Level 1 DVD CHECK PRICE
PB Elite Molded Foam Roller CHECK PRICE
# 5 Injection
Dry needling or injections with no anesthetics and injections that include saline, the local anesthetics like steroids, botulinum toxin, and procaine hydrochloride can provide more instant relief, becoming more efficient when the rest of the methods fail.
How Muscles Develop Trigger Points
As far as trigger points are concerned, no man is spared because practically all muscles might develop trigger points. The primary factors that can activate trigger points include persistent muscular strain, overuse or contraction (physical or emotional cause); adverse conditions of the environment (heat, damp, cold); trauma; febrile illness; prolonged immobility; and systemic biochemical imbalance which can be nutritional or imbalance.
The secondary factors that can cause muscles to develop trigger points include infections; food allergies and others; nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron, B-complex, and C; hormonal imbalance especially thyroid; and low tissue oxygenation. The compensating antagonist and synergist muscles to the ones that house the triggers might develop triggers as well.
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Helpful Reference
- AAFP
Trigger Point Diagnosis and Management - Foam Roller Guide
Foam roller techniques and exercises - MD Junction
Myofascial Pain Relief - Trigger Point Management