Trigger points are hypersensitive areas that are palpated (palpated) like knots in muscles. Direct pressure on them or compression caused by muscle contraction can cause locally increased pain sensitivity as well as so-called reflected pain, which is characteristic of each point and is localized away from the treated area. This reflected pain represents a painful stimulus that is different from that produced by direct treatment of the trigger point. The localization of the reflected pain, although away from the primary site, is typical and is specific to each trigger point.
Trigger points form as a result of muscle injury, strain or trauma. When muscle fibers, fascia, ligaments or tendons are weakened, overstretched or inflamed, small tears (microcracks) appear in them. Naturally, these torn structures go through a process of regeneration, forming new tissue. While this process is taking place, however, muscle contractions of the affected muscle lead to the formation of knots at the sites where the new fibres are formed. These knots in turn reduce the blood flow needed by the muscle cells, often resulting in shortening of the muscle fibers.
Trigger points are detected purely palpatorily, i.e. by hand pressure. Trigger points can form in any muscle of the body. Most often, these muscles are tense, with increased tone, and to the sense of smell are tight like "ship ropes". A trigger point is extremely sensitive and believe us you will know when you have found it. Most trigger points in the human body are in pairs, i.e. they locate on both the left and right side.
Trigger points can affect movement by keeping muscles in a shortened and tight position, which limits the range of motion. This in turn causes other muscle groups to compensate for the reduced involvement of the affected muscle, which over time leads to spasm of the compensating muscles. The presence of trigger points in a muscle prevents it from relaxing, hence leading to faster fatigue. The recovery period after a contraction is also increased and when a prolonged load is performed, the muscle is shortened before it has recovered from the previous contraction.
In order to perform a movement, it is necessary to have coordination, i.e. some muscles need to contract and others need to relax. Trigger points can disrupt this coordination. Also, stretching and muscle contraction irritate trigger points and increase pain, causing you to avoid the movement altogether.
It is worth noting that the main cause of the presence of pain of a (muscular) nature is not always due to the presence of trigger points, but they are present almost always when there is muscle pain. Treating them helps to reduce pain and speeds recovery.
In general, there are various techniques for treating and relaxing trigger points. We at Okto will share with you how we deal with such a problem. In our center we use:
