Trigger Points: It Hurts!
Many people who come to our acupuncture clinic suffer from muscle pain. Very often these sensitive spots are trigger points. Trigger points are muscle knots, a small section of muscle tissue that is tightly contracted and sometimes in spasm. If the “knot” is very bad the blood supply to the muscle is inhibited and the condition worsens. These points are often involved in conditions such as headaches, migraines, back pain, sciatica, neck pain, and foot pain. Even conditions such a plantar fasciitis can be related to built up muscle tissue.
People who suffer from headaches often have “knots” built up in their neck and shoulders, where most of us carry our stress. Tension headaches may be caused by trigger points in the suboccipitals a muscle group at the base of the skull. Other times its the trapezius muscle, or both that are causing the headaches. Hip pain and even back pain can often be coming from built up muscle tissue in the gluteus maximus. People are often shocked by the relief they get when these points are released through acupuncture, cupping therapy or massage.
We often instruct patients on how to address these points at home with self -massage or a tool such as a theracane or simple tennis ball. Once the built up muscle tissue is addressed painful conditions resolve. If you’re experiencing pain anywhere in your body we highly recommend learning about how trigger points might be involved in your condition.
