Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy

If you’ve ever had a knot in a muscle, you know just how much pain those little bumps of tension can put you in. These tight spots are trigger points. Manipulation of these points can release pain and get your muscles feeling mobile again. 

What are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are nodes that are located on bands of skeletal muscle tissue. When one or more is activated, they tense up and create a knot-like lump that causes deep aches and are easy to feel yourself. 

Current research shows that there are an estimated 620 points on the human body that can become trigger points. These little knots can compress nerves, especially if the trigger points are located along the spine or in the neck. This creates pain and inflammation in the area and often leads to symptoms that appear unrelated. A compressed nerve in the back can cause tingling and numbness in the feet. Intensive research has proven the power of a small knot of muscle to cause serious pain to the point that many major insurance companies cover treatment for this issue.

What Causes Trigger Points?

Trigger points happen due to muscular injuries, strains, and trauma. When muscle fibers, ligaments, or tendons become inflamed, small tears in the soft tissue nearby can occur. As this tissue begins to heal, it can contract. With this, it can get twisted and knotted. These knots restrict fresh blood supply that is needed. Additionally, there is often a shortening of the muscle fiber to protect from further injury. Further causes of these knots to occur are:

• Muscle overload on a daily basis or during one traumatic event 
• Psychological disorders like anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and depression 
• Chronic stress
• Trauma to the muscle from strains or tears
• Car accidents
• Sports injuries
• Systemic or localized infections
• Bad habits like smoking and poor posture 

Knots in our muscles is a way that our body tells us there is a deeper issue that needs to be addressed. Taking the time to come and see Dr. Shaner and our team here at Texas Spine and Sports Therapy will help you get to the bottom of your tension. However, a few people might be at a higher risk for these points of tension than others. Medical News Today lists the common risk factors include people who have:

• A diet that doesn’t consist of enough vitamins and minerals
• Difficulty sleeping
• A history or joint problems and injuries
• Poor posture
• A sedentary lifestyle 

How to Tell if Your Pain is Trigger Point Pain

Unfortunately, most doctors are don’t know what to look for to recognize and treat muscular disturbances like trigger points. Trigger point therapy is mostly practiced by chiropractors, massage therapists, sports injury specialists, orthopedists, and physical medicine specialists. Many patients suffering from this issue are misdiagnosed and find no relief through the treatments offered by their primary care physicians. Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center starts with imaging and other diagnostics to rule out serious issues like spinal misalignment, degenerative disorders, and herniated discs. We can also physically examine you for the hard nodes themselves. If we do find trigger points, you may still have other conditions causing pain and inflammation that need treatment as well. We look at every possible cause to make sure you receive a correct diagnosis and can get on your way to living as pain-free as possible. 

What is Trigger Point Therapy?

This therapy is a type of manual therapy that prioritizes on detecting and releasing trigger points. VeryWell Health explains that this therapy is sometimes referred to as myofascial trigger point therapy or neuromuscular therapy. Our therapeutic programs combine multiple treatment methods to ensure your irritation, inflammation, and lack of flexibly are not a problem for much longer.

• Myotherapy, which can involve deep tissue massage or a tapping pressure
• Vibration exercises to relax tensed muscles
• Electrostimulation 
• Massage therapy to fight the knots
• Assisted and home stretching to improve muscle function
• Injections to help break down scar tissue and heal the affected muscle 

Call Texas Spine & Sports Therapy 

Even if you aren’t feeling them right now, your back and neck could be filled with tight knots of tension. Since our Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center team includes a medical doctor, chiropractor, and experienced massage therapists, we can provide a full range of services without sending you out of the office. If you have been struggling with inflammation and tenderness that doesn’t have a clear cause, we may be able to pinpoint the muscles involved and relax the tension. Call us now for an appointment: (512)-806-0015.