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If you’re struggling with muscle knots or chronic tension, consulting a Myotherapist can be a crucial step toward recovery and enhanced well-being.
Understanding Trigger Points and How Myotherapy Addresses Them
What are ‘Trigger points’?
Trigger points are hyper-irritable spots in skeletal muscle that can cause significant pain and discomfort.
They typically present as hard lumps, often referred to as ‘muscle knots’ within the muscle tissue and can occur anywhere in the body, though they are most common in areas that experience frequent tension or strain, such as the neck, shoulders, and lower back.
Trigger points can be classified as either active or latent.
**Active trigger points** are those that actively produce pain and discomfort. They can cause localised pain in the muscle where they are located, as well as referred pain in other areas of the body. For example, a trigger point in the neck may lead to headaches or discomfort in the shoulders. Active trigger points can significantly impact daily activities, often leading to chronic pain and decreased mobility.
On the other hand…
**Latent trigger points** are often asymptomatic, meaning they may not cause noticeable pain or discomfort unless they are palpated or stressed. While latent trigger points don’t usually produce pain at rest, they can still contribute to muscle tightness and limited range of motion, and they have the potential to become active if left untreated or if the muscle experiences additional strain.
Understanding the distinction between active and latent trigger points is crucial for effective treatment.
How do trigger points develop?
Trigger points can develop due to several factors, including …
- Muscle overuse, which occurs from repetitive movements or prolonged tension
- Injuries, such as sprains or strains
- Poor posture from sitting or standing incorrectly for extended periods
- Stress and tension, where emotional stress translates into physical tightness; and a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to muscle tightness.
How can Myotherapy help address trigger points?
Myotherapy offers effective solutions for managing trigger points through several key approaches. It begins with assessment and identification, where a thorough evaluation helps the Myotherapist pinpoint specific trigger points through palpation and an understanding of the client’s pain history.
What techniques are used ?
- Myofascial release, which applies sustained pressure to relieve tension
- Dry needling, which involves inserting thin needles into trigger points to promote relaxation and healing.
- Deep tissue massage to alleviate tightness in deeper muscle layers
- Active release technique (ART), which combines manual pressure with movement.
Taking a holistic approach, Myotherapy considers lifestyle factors, stress, and overall health to address the underlying causes of muscle tension, preventing recurrence.
Through these methods, Myotherapy effectively relieves pain and improves muscle function, making it a valuable option for anyone dealing with trigger points.
