What is trigger point therapy?
A highly irritable localized spot of exquisite tenderness in a nodule in a palpable taut band of (skeletal) muscle. This is a trigger point.
These hyperirritable localized spots can vary in size, and have been described as “tiny lumps,” “little peas,” and “large lumps”; they can be spots that are tender to pressure, they may well be “trigger points.” The size of a trigger point nodule varies according to the size, shape, and type of muscle in which it is generated. What is consistent is that they are tender to pressure. So tender, in fact (hyperalgesia), that when they are pressed, the patient often winces from pain.
Trigger Point Theory
When pressed and held for six or more seconds this acute pain seems to melt into a specific and reproducible map of pain.
Myofascial trigger points may well be implicated in all types of musculoskeletal and mechanical muscular pain. Pain or symptoms may be directly due to active trigger points, or pain may “build up” over time from latent or inactive trigger points. Studies and investigations in selected patient populations have been carried out on various regions of the body. There is a growing amount of research evidence directly linking musculoskeletal pain to trigger points. A high prevalence of trigger pain, somatic dysfunction, psychological disturbance, and associated restricted daily functioning.
Referral pain is very common. Just because you have pain in your knee, doesn’t mean that is where the primary dysfunction is.
Trigger Point or Bowen work well on their own or in combination.
DISCLAIMER: PRACTITIONERS DO NOT DIAGNOSE AND DO NOT REPLACE THE CARE OF YOUR VETERINARIAN OR DOCTOR