Trigger Point Massage - How To Avoid The Most Common Mistakes
A lot of people know of massage therapy, but many do not realize it's a particular sort of therapy. Many tend to confuse massage with manicure or pedicure. However, there are major differences between these kinds of therapy. In manicure and pedicure, the focus is more on removing the nail polish and making the cuticle easy - that does not really apply to massage. Trigger point massage is a much more targeted approach, focusing directly on releasing painful trigger points within the body, which may lead to chronic pain and emotional stress.
Trigger point massage targets the tightest areas of the body (most often the lower back and neck), helping to enhance mobility, posture, and range of movement. While the majority of massage isn't painful, some could be. If you're getting a massage at a professional facility, the masseuse may use massage oil or a lubricant to be able to reduce the sensation that can come with some types of massage. Lying down is usually recommended so you don't risk triggering the knots that could cause pain.
The term"trigger point" refers to the specialized areas where massage therapy focuses its attention. There are in fact hundreds of those points across the body, but when the pain occurs, it is typically located in a certain place. Trigger points are usually hyper-sensitive, meaning they are"on" more than other areas within the body. As a result of this, chronic pain from these spots may lead to discomfort in many locations. Trigger points can be activated by activities like repetitive movement (running, jumping, etc..)
Trigger points can be very tricky to target and treat, but with some simple self-massage techniques it is possible to improve circulation, reduce muscle knots, loosen knots, etc. By way of example, when I do my weekly Swedish massage, I begin with my hands and go up to my shoulders. I work my way down to my arms, working the muscles along my back. Then I bring myself back up to my neck and continue the massage from there.
Some therapists have been known to suggest stretching to the relief of pain, but if your muscles are tight, it will only worsen the situation. This is why it's important to start at the source: together with the muscles. While a therapist may be able to target specific tender points, they generally do not know enough about your personal condition to efficiently target the regions for the best results.
Another common recommendation by massage therapists is to apply a cold compress to the trigger points. Cold compress is really very effective in reducing pain, but it does not always work. Cold compress only works because the blood vessels surrounding the hyper-sensitive areas become smaller. This results in decreased blood flow and reduced oxygen to the muscles, which then causes more pain.
If you're looking for trigger point therapy to aid with chronic pain, or to relieve the discomfort of injuries or sports injuries, look for a provider who has experience handling injuries and sports injuries. Look also for suppliers who focus on trigger point massage. You want someone who is fully trained and knowledgeable in this treatment method. A massage therapist who is just starting out might not have the expertise you require.
Trigger points are almost everyone's worst nightmare, and almost everyone would like to avoid them as much as possible. Trigger points are knots, either deep or shallow, that form in muscles. There are lots of different knots, and each person develops a different sensitivity to pain. Trigger point massage is often recommended for the removal or reduction of these troublesome knots.