Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy was developed by Dr. Janet Travell in the USA during the 1940’s. She created a map of the body outlining where the “trigger points” are and what surrounding areas are affected by them. A trigger point is a hyperirritable spot in a muscle. Sometimes referred to as a “knot”, this spot is painful upon compression and can cause “referred” pain in other areas of the body due to its effects on connecting nerves. Trigger points cause muscle pain and can cause misalignment in the skeletal system, loss of range of motion, and joint pressure or discomfort. 

This treatment uses direct, sustained pressure using thumbs, elbows, or tools on the “trigger points” for up to 2 minutes until the muscle fibers “let go” and relax. Each session starts with warming the body and getting the blood flowing through gentle yet deep strokes along the musculature, to prepare for the muscles for therapy. Palpation, kneading and friction are used after the trigger point releases to ease discomfort and increase circulation to the affected area.