Nose Creek Physical Therapy Information on Trigger Points

While the term trigger point is familiar to many people, the actual cause and effect of triggers is often a mystery. What are these tender spots? Why do they hurt? How do I get rid of them? Trigger points are areas of unmetabolized waste or contraction within muscle tissue. Consider that the circulatory system of the body is similar in function to the radiator of a car. The purpose of the radiator is to remove heat from the engine and thus reduce damage and wear. The circulatory system serves muscles in much the same way. In addition to transporting nutrition to muscles it removes waste product from them. Unmetabolized waste in muscle causes heat, irritation, and shortening. The areas of greatest irritation are called trigger points.

Trigger points fall into several categories, the least of which is latent. Latent triggers are only painful when examined. Although latent triggers do not cause pain, they do contribute to muscle shortening and reduced range of motion, which can definitely limit fitness potential. Latent triggers can also escalate into active triggers. Active triggers refer pain to other areas. For example, physiotherapists often find that active triggers in the muscles of the neck are responsible for headaches.

There are many different causes for the onset of triggers. Basically any influence that causes fatigue, stress, or pressure on a muscle can result in muscle shortening and ineffectual circulation such as poor form in exercise, whiplash, and blunt force trauma. Other contributing factors are postural dysfunction and muscle splinting.

Muscle splinting is a natural protective function of muscle supporting a compromised joint. For example, in an arthritic knee often the surrounding muscles work harder to support the damaged joint. By working harder they will become fatigued and ‘over toned’, resulting in less blood circulation and often the development of active trigger points throughout the quadriceps and hamstrings.

Treatment of trigger points is relatively straightforward and should consist of one or more of the following techniques. All techniques should be done by a licensed therapist.

Ischemic compression - applying digital pressure to the trigger. This allows fresh blood to enter the area when the pressure is released

Ice massage - Long the chosen therapy of the shin splint crowd, ice in a styrofoam cup is rubbed over the affected area for very short periods of time (no longer than one to two minutes). Physiotherapists recommend this technique as it encourages increased circulation.

Stretching- Regular stretching may not be sufficient as shortened muscles reach their stretch limit sooner. Many physiotherapists recommend regular sessions which work on overriding the stretch reflex and if done carefully can return muscles to their required length in a short period of time.

The effect of all of these treatments is to increase circulation and return muscles to their normal healthy length.