Are you suffering from a bad back, neck, or other muscle pains? Are you experiencing discomfort and a lack of mobility?
If so, you should consider trigger point therapy. Believe it or not, this form of therapy has been used for years and can be very effective at reducing stress and loosening up your muscles.
What is trigger point therapy, and is it right for you? Keep reading for everything you need to know.
What Is Trigger Point Therapy?
Trigger point therapy (TPT) is a form of manual therapy. Using this therapy can help ease pain caused by muscle, ligament, and tissue injuries. It functions by targeting areas of the body known to cause and harbor pain.
During a session, a practitioner applies direct pressure with their fingertips, knuckles, or elbow to the affected site. This process releases the “knots.” Then it helps treat pain from tight or overused muscle fibers. TPT can help treat headaches, neck and shoulder pain, back pain, and other body aches.
Whether TPT is right for you is a personal decision. If you are suffering from chronic muscle pain, you should consult a healthcare professional. Then, discuss whether TPT is the best option for you to treat your specific pain.
Additionally, trigger point therapy works to correct these areas of tension, restore function, and reduce pain. The pressure is often applied to trigger points with the therapist’s thumb or elbow. It induces relaxation of the muscle fibers.
And, it can also stimulate circulation and endorphin release. This relief allows a person to engage in stretching and range of motion.
What Conditions Does Trigger Point Therapy Help?
Trigger point therapy can treat various conditions. It includes plantar fasciitis, temporomandibular joint disorder, migraines, fibromyalgia, venous insufficiency, neck, shoulder, and lower back pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tension headaches. During a session, the physical therapist will look for tender spots in the muscle.
The therapist may also massage the muscle and stretch it to further reduce tension and improve flexibility. Trigger point therapy can give sufferers significant pain relief.
Are There Any Risks or Side-Effects?
The risks and side-effects of trigger point therapy are generally very minimal. This mainly includes soreness or fatigue following treatment. Yet, if a patient has a pre-existing medical condition, they should always consult with their doctor.
This is before undergoing this type of therapy. Additionally, some people may experience slight bruising or discomfort in the area of the trigger point. Trigger point therapy can be beneficial for many people if used in moderation.
What Are the Benefits?
One of the most important benefits of trigger point therapy is its ability to improve range of motion and flexibility. It can help to break up areas of tension that limit movement in the affected areas and reduce associated pain.
Additionally, trigger point therapy can improve the circulation of blood, which helps reduce inflammation and soreness. It also boosts the production of endorphins, which can help reduce feelings of depression and loneliness.
The combination of these benefits can lead to an improved overall quality of life. You can also check out waterside chiropractic to explore more about the benefits of trigger point therapy.
What Are Some Alternatives to Trigger Point Therapy?
Although trigger point therapy can be highly effective, there are alternative treatments that may be used to reduce pain and tension in specific areas. Some alternatives to trigger point therapy include massage therapy and acupuncture. It also includes chiropractic care and soft tissue release.
Massage therapy can reduce general tension and stress in muscle tissue. Acupuncture involves placing needles in specific areas. This will reduce pain and may be beneficial for people who are not able to tolerate trigger point therapy.
Chiropractic care includes manipulation of the spine, joints, and muscles. This is to reduce muscle pain and tension.
Soft tissue release is another physical therapy technique that involves stretches and hands-on techniques to gently move and release areas of tightness. This can also help reduce pain and improve mobility.
Each of these treatments has its advantages and disadvantages. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine which treatment is best for your situation.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
The number of trigger point therapy sessions needed will vary depending on the individual and their problem. Generally, you can see results within two to three sessions, while lasting results may take 4-6 sessions. Some medical providers will recommend up to 8–12 sessions, depending on the area and severity of the issue.
Trigger point therapy includes gentle massage. This is on the affected area, with intermittent pressure on the trigger points. The entire session can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.
It is important to discuss the number of sessions needed with a qualified medical provider before beginning any new therapy. Doing so can ensure that the therapy is tailored to fit the individual’s needs and that the best possible results are achieved.
Release Muscle Tension With the Help of Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is a powerful and effective technique that, when paired with traditional treatments, can be a great solution for pain relief and improved mobility. Consulting with a chiropractic physician or physical therapist can help determine if it is right for you.
Don’t let pain hold you back any longer. Start feeling and moving better today through trigger point therapy.
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