Therapy | Trigger point therapy

Therapy

First the trigger point must be found. Since each trigger point causes a typical pattern of pain, the patient will recognize the pain when the therapist applies pressure to the trigger point. The goal of the therapy is to resolve this trigger point.

This should be done by activating the metabolic processes of the affected region. The nervous system then relaxes the hardening associated with the trigger point. Finally, shortened connective tissue structures should be stretched again.

There are various procedures for trigger point therapy, some of which are carried out with the hands and others with the aid of equipment. A common procedure is the so-called ischemic compression. Here, the therapist presses directly on the trigger point with a finger or a trigger rod.

In this way he creates a sustained pressure, which is tolerably painful for the patient. After about 10 to 15 seconds, the pain subsides, which is due to the fact that the tension of the muscle is reduced. The therapist then increases the pressure, which again leads to bearable pain.

Again, the body reacts by reducing the muscle tension and thus relieving the pain. After three to four passes in 60 to 90 seconds per trigger point, the reduction in tension is exhausted; a further increase in pressure cannot further reduce muscle tension. In addition to ischemic compression, shock waves, laser or needles (dry needling) can also be used to dissolve the hardening.

The so-called blackroll can also be used to treat trigger points. However, it is important to note that although trigger point therapy often eliminates the pain, the cause remains. It is therefore essential to clarify and treat the cause of the trigger point.

Prophylaxis

In order to prevent the development of trigger points, it is important to reduce the corresponding risk factors as far as possible. Probably the most frequent causes of trigger point development are lack of movement and incorrect strain, for example, through prolonged non-ergonomic sitting. Psychological factors such as stress should also not be underestimated and should be reduced as far as possible.