Let's Talk Trigger Points

You might have seen a chart of the human body with little dots all over it at some point, maybe in a physical therapy office, or a massage studio. So, what's that all about?

Trigger Point

Back in the 1940's, two medical doctors began researching people with severe "untreatable" pain. Most of the research subjects had spent years in pain, and had exhausted the cures of Western medicine, yet nothing worked. Our researchers found that most of their subjects had one thing in common: trigger points.

A Point of Exquisite Tenderness

A trigger point is technically defined as a "point of exquisite tenderness". In physical terms, it's a circle of hyper-irritable tissue, generally located within a taut band of muscle. Trigger points can cause intense pain, which can be just local at the exact location of the trigger point, or it also can be referred to another location.

Trigger points arise as a result of acute trauma, or repetitive motion that causes trauma over time.

Encouraging Wider Spread Dysfunction

The area directly surrounding the trigger point often feels very tight, with a decreased range of motion. If one area of the body is unable to move as designed, neighboring areas will step in to help accomplish tasks. So, in the case of trigger points, the immobile trigger point will cause surrounding muscles to compensate. The degree to which this causes problems varies, but it creates a higher risk for injury during strenuous events.

It’s Crazy Common

The researchers estimated that 75% of pain clinic patients have a trigger point as the sole source of their pain.

Want an example of a trigger point? Most people have at least one trigger point in their neck or shoulders. Using the above image, locate a typical trigger point area in the neck or shoulder and press down. If that spot feels super tender, even more so than the surrounding area, you may have discovered your first trigger point.

If your sense of touch in your hands is sensitive enough, you'll notice that a trigger point feels like a nodule of muscle fiber that's far harder than the surrounding tissue. Note: A sense of touch takes months to develop in massage students, so don't be discouraged if your fingers don't notice any differences from place to place. However, I've been a massage therapist for 20 years, so they feel like flashing neon signs to me! Which is one of the ways I know that we are working in the right location to make positive changes.

How Trigger Point Massage Works

Trigger point massage addresses these areas by pressing and holding the area to dissolve the trigger point, and free the immobile muscle tissue. When treated in conjunction with the wider area, it can restore the entire region to proper function.

Schedule A Trigger Point Massage

If your interest is piqued by trigger point therapy, schedule a Trigger Point massage, using online booking, here.

Is It Time To Charge Your Battery?

Has life been extra spicy lately? It might be time to call all that energy you’ve put out into the world back home to yourself. A great way to do that is to get a massage. Massage is an efficient way to regroup, and recharge your internal battery.

How It Works

One of the immediate benefits of massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. The levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, drop, and “feel good” hormones like serotonin and dopamine, rise. I think of it as “hitting the reset button” or a mini-vacation - and you can do it within just one hour. A new perspective allows you to face big challenges with a fresh take and renewed energy.

Rest and Digest

By the same mechanism, massage supports good mental hygiene by regulating the nervous system. It temporarily shifts our nervous system from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest.” This decreases anxiety, and lowers both heart rate and blood pressure. From this place, our experience of the world can shift dramatically.

A Place of Safety For Everyone

Massage is one of the only modalities that provides healthy touch - something we all need to thrive - in a safe and nurturing environment. It offers support, comfort, and human connection.

Grab a Spot on The Calendar

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Massage Gift Certificates And Holiday Hours

I got asked twice last week by clients, "Do you have gift certificates for massage on your website?" The answer is Yes! 


Massage gift certificates are available online here. Choose your favorite design (there are some nice ones!), then email or print. Someone is really going to appreciate it. Pro tip: Want a printed copy to include with a Holiday card? When asked for the recipient's email, just enter your own, and print it on your home printer. Get A Gift Certificate Here



Holiday Hours

I'm here through Christmas, for normal office hours! I will be taking my usual short break between Christmas and New Years, returning on Jan 2. 

 


Sneak In One More Session Before Years End

Get a classic stress busting session, or address that nagging pain issue - you know the one. Massage is an especially rewarding way to use up HSA or FSA funds that expire at year's end. Visit FiveCreeksMassage.com to book your next session. Book Now...



Hope you have a rewarding Holiday season!