Welcome back to another week of some basics of massage and particularly, welcome back to an introduction to Trigger Point Therapy. Last week I covered basics on Deep Tissue Massage, and working with trigger points is usually part of this massage. As part of my practise, I use alot of Trigger point Therapy work within a Deep Tissue Massage for maximum benefit for relief of the presenting condition.
To go into more depth I will start by explaining what Trigger points are: Trigger points are related to hard lumps or knots in the muscle tissues. The lumps are caused by small areas of active spasm in the muscle. These trigger points refer pain to other areas in the muscle and attached tendons, and sometimes even further away.
Trigger point Therapy has been used for decades by doctors, pain specialists, and massage therapists to quickly stimulate the flow of oxygen and promote rapid pain reduction.
The technique involves applying short, repeated massage strokes to trigger points, places in the muscle tissue where lack of oxygen causes referred pain. The stimulation of the point causes an increase in the oxygen level in the area and produces an often instant relief. (Blood flow back to the area is also encouraged, helping with recovery).
Trigger point Therapy can be used for alleviating chronic pain caused by a variety of conditions including muscle ache, arthritis, back pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headache, and repetitive strain injuries.
I hope this information helped to broaden your understanding on muscle trigger points and how Trigger point Therapy works.
*Note: I would also like to cover in this week's post;
The Primary Reasons for People to Drink Water after a Massage
The first has to do with substances released by the muscles as the massage therapist manipulates them, and the second has to do with ensuring the muscles of the body are properly hydrated.
Water after a massage helps flush out any accumulated materials in the muscle which were released during the massage. Especially in the case of Deep Tissue Massage and Trigger point Therapy.
Massage stimulates circulation in the body while expressing water, salt, and other minerals from the muscle, and circulation is designed to carry away these waste materials; otherwise they may build up, causing muscle aches and soreness after a massage.
So please, drink up!!
Next week i will cover some basic information on Bowen Technique.
Bowen Technique is a form of Bodywork that you may find interesting.
I don't actually use Bowen Technique in my practise but I feel its important to have insight into other therapy's on offer.
I believe in an integrated approach to health and its great to have information on whats out there, helping you make informed choices about your health concern choices. Different therapy's can certainly compliment one another!
Until next week I will leave you with a quote to ponder.
'Compassion is the heart that never stops loving others'
'Love, Nurture and Forgive'
Ryuho Okawa
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