Release Trigger Points
A trigger point is a tight and painful area that can occur within the muscle or the thin sheath, called the fascia, covering the muscles, bones, and internal organs and structures. This results in small muscle knots. Since fascia covers the internal structures, this bunching can cause pain to radiate into another location. Releasing a trigger point with manual therapy, such as direct pressure, can release knots and help ease localized and radiating pain and tenderness.
Instructions
Release Trigger Points with Direct Pressure
1. Warm up the area of pain with gliding or kneading massage strokes.
2. Locate muscle knots with your fingertips.
3. Apply direct pressure to the trigger points or knots. Pressure may cause mild to moderate discomfort. If severe or excruciating pain is experienced by the person, ease pressure. Maintain direct pressure until a release is felt. A release is when the knotted area melts or becomes a bit softer.
4. Repeat the direct pressure technique until the trigger point disappears. Disappearance of a trigger point can be determined when the knotted area is no longer palpable.
5. Soothe the trigger point area with gentle kneading or gliding strokes.
Advanced Technique to Release Trigger Points
6. Warm up the area of tightness with gliding or kneading massage strokes.
7. Locate muscle knots with your fingertips.
8. Place the heel of one hand above the area of tightness or restriction for counterpressure.
9. Apply the deep stroking technique with fingertips or knuckles in the direction of the restriction. Deep stroking may produce mild to moderate discomfort. If the technique produces severe pain, ease pressure.
10. Soothe the trigger point area with gentle kneading or gliding strokes.
Tags: trigger point, direct pressure, Release Trigger, Release Trigger Points, muscle knots