Also referred to as a myofascial trigger point, a trigger point as it relates to the human body is a “hyperirritable” point in skeletal muscle or the surrounding fascia. By the touch, a trigger point may feel like a “knot” or a tight bundle of tissue that causes pain to radiate to nearby areas.
What Causes Trigger Points?
Many factors contribute to the development of a myofascial trigger point, but the primary culprit is usually repetitive trauma to the muscle group. This trauma can come from repetitive activities, poor posture, or faulty bio mechanics. Stress, anxiety poor nutrition and lack of sleep can also be contributing factors.
Latent and Active Trigger Points
Two types of trigger points exist: latent and active. Latent trigger points contain tight muscle groupings that don’t always cause pain during activity. In fact, there are almost never any symptoms without external force. Once pressure is applied to latent trigger points, significant radiating pain will occur. Even without pain, latent trigger points are fascia adhesions that can cause weakness, altering biomechanics and preventing muscle growth.
Active trigger points cause significant, limiting pain both during physical activity and while at rest. When pressure is placed on an active trigger point, it’s not uncommon for the person to react swiftly and nearly jump off a massage table. Local muscle groups will exhibit a twitch response to pressure on the trigger point.
Treating Trigger Points
Physical therapy and sports rehab professionals have many tools and techniques to treat myofascial trigger points and reduce muscular pain during physical activity. Graston technique, sports massage therapy, Active Release Technique, are all effective tools to reduce trigger point pain and improve your athletic performance or just your day-to-day lifestyle.
Velo Sports Rehab’s sports medicine practitioners have the expertise and knowledge to diagnose your ailments and design a plan unique to your body’s strengths and weaknesses. Contact us today to make an appointment or give us a call at 425-590-9208.
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