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Trigger point massage utilizes ischemic compression of individual
areas of hypersensitivity in muscles, ligaments, tendons,
and fascia. A trigger point is an area within soft tissue
structures that is characterized by local tenderness and/or
referred phenomena, which can include pain, tingling, numbness
burning, or itching. An active trigger point can cause immediate
pain or prevent a muscle from fully lengthening. A latent
trigger point is unnoticed until pressure is applied. It
often feels dense and fibrous.
Trigger points
may be associated with deficiencies of vitamin B-6 and other
vitamins. They may be a result of underlying visceral disease,
arthritic joints, or other trigger points. Trigger points
can cause referred pain. Possible causes of trigger points
are fatigue, trauma, chilling, skeletal asymmetry, other
trigger points, arthritic joints, visceral diseases (ulcers,
renal colic, myocardial infarction, gall stones, kidney
problems, irritable bowel syndrome), vitamin deficiencies,
hypoglycemia, chronic infection, or food allergies.
Trigger points
may develop any where in the body, but are most commonly
found at the sites of the greatest mechanical and postural
stress. Some signs of trigger points are: restricted movement;
stiffness or weakness in muscles; subcutaneous tissue feels
coarsely granular, ropy, knotty; weakness in muscles; or
deep tenderness.
Firm digital pressure clears the trigger point by repeatedly
flushing the blood and accumulated toxins out of the trigger
point. This creates conditions that foster healing. Superficial
trigger points are treated first, applying 8-30 seconds
of digital pressure. Reconditioning the muscle after the
pain is reduced makes latent trigger points less prone to
reactivate. The area is flushed with deep effleurage, patronage
or friction. The therapist may return to same trigger point
and repeat treatment 3-4 times removing, as much of the
pain as possible. Ice can be applied after the session or
recommend client to ice at home. Client must follow up with
high intake of water to flush the toxins and a deter bath.
This will eliminate deter symptoms such as headaches and
fatigue. Following up with movement re-education exercises
will integrate the changes into the nervous system.
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