If you've been experiencing chronic aching or tightness in the back, neck, or hip, it could be due to myofascial pain. This condition affects muscles and connective tissue that have been strained or injured from making a repetitive motion. Treatments like trigger point therapy can help alleviate pain and rehabilitate your muscles. If you are unsure about whether or not you need this treatment, here's a quick guide to help you decide.

What Are Myofascial Trigger Points?

When talking about myofascial pain, a trigger point is an important concept to learn about. These trigger points feel painful if you press on them, but they can also cause "referred pain" or create pain within other parts of the body. For example, a trigger point on your shoulder can cause pain in the head, giving you a headache. A trigger point in the hip can mimic sciatica, or pain down the back of the leg.

Trigger points typically form due to a variety of factors, such as repetitive muscle stress, poor posture, direct injury, and muscle tension caused by mental stress.

How Is Myofascial Pain Treated?

Trigger point therapy works by unlocking the contraction in the muscles. This is typically done by applying pressure onto the trigger point until it softens and releases the locked muscles.

This therapy uses various techniques, and your healthcare practitioner will choose options depending on their assessment of your condition. After releasing the trigger points, the therapist will need to retrain your muscles. Retraining involves doing simple movements that allow the muscles to stretch to their full range.

Though the effectiveness of trigger point therapy varies from person to person, many patients feel pain relief after their first treatment. For more severe conditions, however, it could take a few sessions to relieve the pain.

Whenever clients around High Point, NC, and the surrounding areas need trigger point therapy, they turn to Hands-On Health Massage & Physical Therapy. Since 2003, they've been offering massage therapy and physical therapy among other pain and stress management services. They also provide postural realignment and myofascial release. Begin your journey toward a pain-free body by calling them at (336) 906-2040. You can also visit their website for more information about their services.