Trigger Points common in Colac
Trigger points or muscle “knots” are sensitive spots in soft tissue, and too many of them is “myofascial pain syndrome.” They are usually described as micro-cramps. These sore spots are as common as pimples, often alarmingly fierce, and they seem to grow like weeds around injuries. They may be a major factor in back and neck pain, as a cause and/or complication. It is a painful condition that the Massage Therapists at the Corio Bay Sports Treatment Clinic Colac treat every day.
What is a Trigger Point?
Trigger points are something we all have, whether or not we can actually feel if they are there or not. A trigger point is a sensitive area of the body caused by prolonged stimulation or irritation of a specific muscle, commonly a tender area in a muscle which causes generalized musculoskeletal pain.
Common Symptoms of Trigger Points:
- Sciatica – a shooting pain in the buttocks and legs is often caused by pain in the piriformis or other gluteal muscles, and not by irritation of the sciatic nerve.
- Chronic jaw pain, toothaches, earaches, sinusitis, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and dizziness may be symptoms of trigger points in the muscles around the jaw, face, head and neck.
- A sore throat or a lump in the throat is often caused or aggravated by trigger points anywhere around the throat.
Should I see a Massage Therapist for Trigger Points?
Definitely!
Muscle pain matters: it’s an important problem to fix! Aches and pains are an extremely common medical issue, and trigger points seem to be a factor in many of them. They are a key factor in headaches possibly including migraine and cluster headaches as well, neck pain and low back pain, and much more. What makes trigger points clinically important — and fascinating — is their triple threat. They can:
- cause pain problems,
- complicate pain problems, and
- mimic other pain problems.
Due to all of the possible causes of Trigger Points it is important to get an expert assessment to work out the quickest and most effective relief. Trigger points are not a problem that will just go away on its own. The longer they are left untreated the worse they can become.
Our Colac Massage Therpaists may use a combination of the following treatments:
- Specialised massage called “Trigger Point Release”
- Dry Needling
- Stretching
- Rock Taping to affected areas
- Postural taping
- Advice on activity and return to sport/work
- Strengthening exercises
How to fix your trigger point problems:
– massage to desensitise the trigger points
– home stretching/ foam rolling
– spiky balls/tennis balls/ golf balls for self massage in between treatments.
Regular soft tissue treatment can help manage your Trigger points and often the referral pain that is linked with them. Trigger point therapy mostly consists of rubbing and pressing on trigger points — which can feel like an amazing relief.
In the image above are some of the most common areas for trigger points – so if you are experiencing pain in an area that is covered by the trigger point chart make sure you book your appointment today!