Trigger point therapy

What are trigger points?

A trigger point is an accumulation of small muscle fibers that are stuck and cramped: micro-cramps in muscles. They can be extremely painful and cause hardening or “knots. The muscle becomes shorter and less well supplied with blood and may eventually weaken, after which other muscles take over and overload its function.

Trigger points are a common cause of pain symptoms. Chronic overuse (sports, work position) is one of the main causes. In addition, they can be caused by such things as:

• Muscle problems after an accident, injury or improper movement
• Fatigue and poor sleep
• Psychological factors such as stress and depression
• Squeezing clothes or a heavy backpack
• Scoliosis or leg length difference
• Hormonal disorders or impaired thyroid function

Treatment

In trigger point therapy, manual pressure is applied to the trigger point to reduce contraction and restore muscle function. More and more research shows that this is an effective approach for a variety of pain conditions.

After the treatment muscles may feel temporarily sensitive, stiff or sore. You will be given home exercises and the advice to keep the treated muscles warm (for example, with a hot water bottle). Usually the pain subsides within five days; if not, contact the therapist.

Trigger point massage can be useful for:

• Back Pain
• Pelvic pain
• Neck pain
• Headache
• Shoulder Pain
• Psychosomatic complaints

Referral and reimbursement

No referral is required for trigger point treatment. The treatment is reimbursed from the supplementary insurance as physical therapy. Without supplementary insurance you can find the costs on the rates page.