1. Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is a form of manual therapy often performed by Physiotherapists and Remedial Massage therapists, that focuses on identifying and releasing tight areas within muscle tissue, commonly known as “trigger points.”
These are hyperirritable spots found in rigid bands of skeletal muscle fibers that can cause referred pain — This is pain felt in another part of the body that is not the actual source of the issue, and otherwise feels fine normally.
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Trigger point therapy operates on the principle that muscle tension and dysfunction can lead to pain and restricted movement, and is used to treat both acute and chronic pain.
The technique involves applying sustained pressure to the affected area most often using the therapist’s fingers, but also knuckles, elbows, or specialized tools.
This pressure aims to interrupt the pain cycle, signalling the brain to focus all pain responses onto the targeted trigger point. It also releases muscular knots, and restores normal function to the muscle fibers.
Trigger points can develop due to muscle overuse, trauma, stress, poor posture, lack of movement, or even sleeping in a warped position.
When muscles contract and fail to relax properly, they limit blood flow and trap metabolic waste, leading to irritation and discomfort which can then turn into stiffness and pain.
By addressing these specific points, trigger point therapy helps the muscles regain their elasticity and normal function, providing a more supple base for improved mobility and reduced pain.
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2. Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy
The benefits of trigger point therapy extend way beyond pain relief. One of its main advantages is its ability to improve blood circulation within the affected muscle, promoting a flow of oxygen and nutrients while aiding the removal of toxins and waste.
This physical response supports faster recovery from muscle strain or overuse and enhances the overall tissue health.
Trigger point therapy can also have a positive effect on the nervous system. Releasing muscle knots can reduce the overload on our pain receptors and decrease stress signals sent to the brain, allowing the therapist to get into the deep muscles without a “jerk” like muscle response.
As a result, many clients experience deep relaxation and reduced anxiety related symptoms after treatment, as well as getting a good nights sleep.
Another major benefit is the reduction of muscle stiffness and tension. It is a great way to get rid of the “I am stiff, but not in pain” feeling.
By targeting trigger points, the therapy helps lengthen tight muscle fibers, which can restore flexibility and improve range of motion, while also reducing the “pulling” sensation associated with tension.
This makes it particularly beneficial for athletes, as it helps maximise recovery and performance, but also manual workers or individuals with sedentary lifestyles that often lead to an increased stiffness.
Moreover, trigger point therapy can help to improve posture by addressing chronic muscle tightness that contributes to misalignment.
When certain muscles are constantly contracted, they can pull the body out of its natural alignment, causing other muscles to start compensation, and possibly working the wrong way.
By releasing these tight areas, the body can return to a more balanced state, reducing the risk of further strain or injury.
3. Trigger Point Therapy for Pain Relief
Pain relief is the most common reason people seek trigger point therapy. The technique is especially effective for addressing myofascial pain syndrome, a chronic pain disorder characterized by the presence of multiple trigger points.
Unlike general massage, which treats the body as a whole, trigger point therapy zeroes in on specific areas responsible for referred pain.
For example, a trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle (located between the neck and shoulder) can cause pain that radiates up the neck and into the head, mimicking a tension headache.
Similarly, a trigger point in the gluteal muscles can cause pain down the leg that may be mistaken for sciatica. By identifying and releasing these hidden sources of discomfort, therapists can alleviate pain that might otherwise go untreated.
Trigger point therapy complements other pain management techniques, such as physical therapy, deep tissue massage and stretching.
When combined, these approaches can lead to long-term pain reduction, improved movement, and an overall better quality of life.
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4. Trigger Point Therapy vs. Deep Tissue Massage
While trigger point therapy and deep tissue massage share similarities, and may be performed in the same session, they are distinct in their purpose and technique.
Both aim to alleviate muscular tension and pain, but trigger point therapy is more focused and specific, while deep tissue massage treats larger muscle groups.
Deep tissue massage involves slow, deep strokes that target layers of muscle and fascia. The goal is to reduce overall muscle tension, break down adhesions, and improve circulation.
It is commonly used for general stiffness, recovery after intense exercise, or chronic muscle soreness, as well as being used to relax the nervous system.
In contrast, trigger point therapy isolates specific points that cause referred pain. The pressure applied is more localized and may involve holding a point for multiple seconds up to several minutes until the muscle releases.
This targeted method requires a deeper understanding of muscular anatomy and referred pain patterns in the body.
Another difference lies in the client’s general experience. Deep tissue massage is often described as intense but soothing, and generally benefits are reaped in the following 24 hours post treatment.
While trigger point therapy can be much more uncomfortable during treatment due to the direct pressure on sensitive areas. However, the results of trigger point therapy are often more immediate and precise in resolving localized pain issues.
In practice, many therapists blend both techniques, using deep tissue massage to warm up the muscles and introduce them to treatment, followed by trigger point therapy to address specific problem areas.
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5. How Trigger Point Therapy Works
During treatment, the therapist locates the trigger point and applies steady, deep pressure. Initially, this can cause discomfort or a “pain” sensation, followed by a noticeable release as the muscle relaxes.
Afterward, clients often feel an immediate reduction in pain and tension, although mild soreness can occur as the muscle adjusts, as well as some tenderness from the deep pressure. Consistent sessions can help manage chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, back pain, joint pain, and repetitive strain injuries.
The effectiveness of trigger point therapy lies in its ability to address the physiological and neurological aspects of muscle dysfunction.
When a muscle contracts and fails to relax, a small area within the muscle fiber becomes deprived of oxygen, leading to the formation of a trigger point. This spot becomes both irritable and hypersensitive and can send pain signals to other parts of the body through the nervous system.
By applying direct pressure, the therapist temporarily restricts blood flow to the trigger point. When the pressure is released, a rush of fresh blood flows back into the area, bringing oxygen and nutrients that are vital to aid in muscle recovery.
This process, known as ischemic compression, helps break the pain-tension cycle that perpetuates muscle tightness by fully releasing the targeted area.
Additionally, trigger point therapy helps reset a sensory receptor within the muscle that regulates its tone and length.
By stimulating the receptors, the therapy encourages the muscle to relax and return to its natural resting state, rather than constantly “gripping”. Over time, this reduces chronic tension, improves neuromuscular communication, and restores functional movement patterns.
Regular sessions can also retrain the nervous system to interpret muscle signals correctly. When chronic tension is present, the brain may become accustomed to pain and try to protect the body by restricting movement to avoid any further discomfort. Trigger point therapy interrupts this cycle by normalizing the body’s sensory feedback, allowing pain-free movement to return.
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Conclusion
Trigger point therapy is a powerful, evidence-based method for addressing muscular pain and dysfunction.
By targeting specific areas of tension within the muscles, it promotes healing, restores blood flow, and can provide lasting pain relief, resulting in higher flexibility, strength, and overall performance. Whether used alone or in combination with other therapeutic techniques, trigger point therapy offers a practical and effective solution for managing both acute and chronic pain.
Its benefits extend beyond physical relief, improving posture, relaxation, and overall well-being — making it an invaluable tool in modern manual therapy.
If you’re looking for a remedial massage therapist who performs trigger point therapy in Essendon, Melbourne, the team at Melbourne Sports Physiotherapy can help you today.
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