A Trigger Point is a hypersensitive spot within a tight band of muscle that refers pain or other autonomic sensations to areas local or distant to the original point. Trigger points are commonly found in muscles that have been overworked, either due to excess contracting or excess stretching. In order to release a trigger point, depending upon its location and cause, I will use one of the following techniques:
  • ischemic compression, where I find the point and hold it until the pain goes away
  • stretch and hold, until the pain goes away
  • ice and stretch, usually only done in summer time
After a trigger point treatment, you should have diminished pain and increased range of motion. If I have done the treatment too deeply or for too long, you may experience discomfort afterwards for a few days. Generally this discomfort resolves itself and you may feel better than when you initially came.
It has been a further amendment to my philosophy that a good treatment should not be a painful treatment. Each position may take longer, and it may tire me out more, but in the end, you are the one who is most important in the equation. If you are happily out of pain, then I have done my job.