TRIGGER POINT THERAPY

Trigger point therapy is a hands-on technique used to reduce pain, relieve muscle tension and improve movement. It targets myofascial trigger points—often referred to as muscle knots—which are sensitive areas within a muscle that can contribute to local pain, referred pain and restricted movement.

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At JP Bodywise, trigger point therapy is one of the many techniques that may be incorporated into your remedial massage treatment following a thorough assessment.

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What are trigger points?

A trigger point is a sensitive area within a tight band of muscle that can become painful when pressed, stretched or contracted.

While many people describe them as "knots," trigger points are more than simply tight muscles. They can alter the way a muscle functions and may cause pain both where they're located and in other parts of the body—a phenomenon known as referred pain.

For example, a trigger point in the shoulder may contribute to pain travelling into the neck or down the arm, while one in the glutes may refer discomfort into the leg.

 

What causes trigger points?

Trigger points can develop for a variety of reasons, including:

• Repetitive movements

• Heavy training or overuse

• Poor posture or prolonged sitting

• Acute injury or trauma

• Chronic pain

• Muscle overload

• Physical or emotional stress

Often, several factors contribute to their development rather than a single cause.

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Common symptoms

Trigger points may contribute to:

• Muscle tightness

• Localised muscle pain

• Referred pain

• Stiffness

• Reduced range of motion

• Muscle weakness

• A feeling of heaviness or fatigue

• Tenderness when pressure is applied

Because trigger points can refer pain, the area that hurts isn't always where the trigger point is located. This is why assessment is such an important part of every remedial massage treatment.

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How does trigger point therapy work?

Trigger point therapy involves applying sustained, targeted pressure to the affected area to help reduce muscle sensitivity and improve muscle function.

Although some discomfort can be expected when treating particularly sensitive trigger points, treatment should always feel manageable. I'll regularly check in throughout your session and adjust the pressure as needed to ensure it's both effective and comfortable.​

Trigger point therapy is often combined with deep tissue massage, dry needling, stretching and other remedial massage techniques to achieve the best outcome.

 

Benefits of trigger point therapy

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• Reduce muscle tension

• Decrease pain

• Improve flexibility

• Increase range of motion

• Improve muscle function

• Reduce referred pain

• Improve movement quality

• Support recovery from training or injury

 

Trigger Point Therapy in High Wycombe and Osborne Park

JP Bodywise provides assessment-led remedial massage treatments that may incorporate trigger point therapy when clinically appropriate. Every treatment is tailored to your individual presentation and may combine multiple techniques to help reduce pain, improve movement and support long-term recovery.

Trigger point therapy is available as part of your remedial massage treatment at both our High Wycombe and Osborne Park clinics.