Typically used to treat pain-related conditions, trigger point therapy is sometimes referred to as myofascial trigger point therapy or neuromuscular therapy. The word myofascial means muscle tissue (myo) and the connective tissue in and around it (fascia). The goal of trigger point therapy is to help you recover from or significantly reduce myofascial pain.

Myofascial Pain and Trigger Points

Myofascial pain often results from muscle injury or repetitive strain. When stressed or injured, muscles often form trigger points, which are hyper-irritable knots located in a taut band of skeletal muscle that cause pain and tightness.

Located in the skeletal muscle, trigger points are spots in the muscle that produce pain when compressed. Trigger points create a contraction in the fibers of the body’s soft tissue, causing a tight band that will not release without physical intervention. This can interfere with range of motion and put stress on other soft tissue, joints, nerves and vascular systems.

Trigger points frequently cause referred pain, meaning that a trigger point in one muscle can create pain in another area, and is no longer localized to the originating area.

What is Trigger Point Therapy?

Trigger point therapy is a form of non-invasive manual therapy that focuses on detecting and releasing trigger points. Treatment generally consists of trigger point compression, myofascial release, passive stretching and a regimen of corrective exercises.

Our trigger point therapists take an integrative approach to myofascial pain and dysfunction. Your appointment will begin with an assessment of your condition, including a discussion about your pain, nutritional intake, stress, exercise, mechanical abnormalities and other physical components.

Next, you will receive a hands-on treatment, including sustained pressure applied by your therapist’s hands, thumb, forearm or elbow, depending on the area treated. Dress comfortably, in shorts and a t-shirt or yoga clothes, for example. Your therapist will then provide simple, individualized corrective exercises.

Timing of Trigger Point Treatments

The length of time it takes to release a trigger point depends on several factors, one of which is how long you have had your trigger point. Other factors include:

• The number of trigger points you have

• The underlying condition or cause

• How effective your current treatment is

• How consistently you can administer or receive treatment

• What your personal goals are

Appointments generally last one hour. Receiving trigger point treatments one to two times a week, spaced a few days apart, is ideal.

The number of treatments needed varies from person to person. Generally, our therapists will recommend three initial treatments, and then will reassess based on how you are improving. Success of your trigger point therapy can be measured by your level of pain reduction, increased range of motion, strength or endurance, and other improved function.

Conditions Treated With Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy can benefit patients experiencing a wide range of conditions and symptoms, both acute and chronic, including:

Meet Our Trigger Point Therapists

Our trigger point therapists have completed rigorous education, including anatomy, pathology, movement assessment, nutrition and corrective exercises.