Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy

Our bodies are made up a complex mesh of muscles, fibers, nerves, connective tissue and bones. In this mesh of bone and other matter, there are certain trigger points that are so named because they can trigger pain and discomfort throughout the body. The trigger points are essentially spots in the skeleto-muscular structure that are extremely irritable. These trigger points are basically nodules that are palpable and are surrounded by muscles that are taut structurally or because of stress and muscle tension.

The palpable nodules are extremely sensitive and can cause severe pain. If you apply pressure on a trigger point, it can result in pain and twitching. There isn’t any muscle spasm but the muscle contracts a lot due to the twitch and this is often cause for excruciating pain. Unfortunately, the trigger points are so located that any pain triggered by them travels to a larger area and affects a much broader area on the body. Many scientists claim to have found patterns in the trigger point and pains therefore allowing them to map the effects of the triggering points. However, many feel that the trigger points still need a lot of research and are still largely unexplained. The trigger points are quite easily observable and have many defined properties. However, a consistent therapy methodology is still not available. Almost eighty five percent of the pain that is felt can be associated with the myofascial trigger points. With the help of myofascial trigger therapy, other underlying causes of the pain can also be exacted. The treatment to muscles of each individual is highly specific and this perhaps is the most unique feature of this therapy.

Improper or poor posture, sedentary lifestyle or the overexertion of certain muscles are some of the main causes of myofascial pain. During therapy, sleeping patterns, posture correction, diet regulation and a study of allergies are given special care. All these issues are assessed and then addressed. The treatment is not done immediately when the patient cones in to the practitioner. In fact, the practitioner first has to check the medical history of the patient and establishes pain patterns to identify whether the pain patterns yield to the trigger point therapy. The treatment could be both manual and mechanical. In the manual therapy, the therapy is conducted by a trained medical practitioner. The mechanical therapy however is conducted with the aid of electrosimulation, pulsed ultrasound, dry needles, injections or even using a cooling spray.