Myofascial trigger points are common pathetical discrete, focal, hyperirritable spots located in a taut or normal band of skeletal muscle. They produce pain locally and in a predictable referred pattern often accompanied with chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Acute trauma or repetitive microtrauma may lead to the development of stress on muscle fibres and the formation of trigger points. Patients may have regional, persistent pain, resulting in a decreased range of motion in the affected muscles. These include muscles used to maintain body posture, such as those in the neck, shoulders, and pelvic girdle.
Trigger points may also manifest as tension headaches, tinnitus, temporomandibular (TMJ) joint pain, decreased range of motion in the legs, and low back pain. Palpation of a hypersensitive bundle or nodule of muscle fibre of harder than normal consistency is the physical finding typically associated with a trigger point. Manual manipulative therapy, as used by your massage therapist along with different types of stretching and rolling, are used to inactivate trigger points promptly providing relief of pain and symptoms.
Offered by Karl and Garfield.