Trigger Point Massage: What to Expect

Poor posture, injuries, overuse, and stress can all cause trigger points in your muscles, more commonly known as knots. A trigger point massage targets these sore spots, reducing tension and alleviating pain. 

The best part? Regular trigger point massages can keep these knots at bay and help you feel stronger, healthier, and more energetic. 

At Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine in Meridian, Idaho, our team of experienced medical practitioners can help address pain with massage therapy, finding your trigger points to release knot tightness and decrease pain response. 

Trigger point massage 101 

Before discussing the massage technique, it’s important to understand trigger points.

When your muscles contract repeatedly, sensitive knots can form. Pressure on these trigger points causes local and referred pain. The referred pain can be felt in other parts of your body, even seemingly unrelated areas. 

Unresolved knots can cause stiffness, fatigue, and a feeling of achiness. In some cases, persistent trigger points can lead to myofascial pain syndrome, a chronic pain disorder. 

Anyone can develop trigger points, regardless of their lifestyle. An athlete might develop knots due to overuse or injury, while someone working a desk job might experience knots caused by poor posture. 

The simplest approach to trigger points is to massage them. This relieves tension, stimulates blood flow, and boosts healing. 

Benefits of trigger point massages

Any good masseuse can find a knot and loosen it, but a trigger point massage focuses on working out all of your sore muscles. This can encourage mental and physical wellness, including the following benefits: 

• Pain relief 
• Reduced tension 
• Less stress 
• Improved sleep
• Better concentration

Your trigger point massage should also leave you feeling more energized.

What to expect from your trigger point massage

A trigger point massage might not be the most relaxing and enjoyable massage you can get, but it is one of the most effective. Many people with chronic pain or high stress seek out trigger point massages because the positive effects can last for days after your appointment. 

The technique uses a combination of gentle, strong, and deep pressure. You might feel some discomfort when your trigger points are touched initially, but this is soon replaced by relief as the knot is loosened. 

You might feel sleepy or sore after your massage; this is a good sign. Sleepiness is a sign that you’re relaxed, and the soreness will fade. You should feel more flexible and energetic in the days following your massage. 

Curious about what a trigger point massage can do for you? Talk to the specialists at Advantage Spinal Dynamics to learn more about massage therapy. You can schedule a consultation by calling 208-225-4358, or request an appointment online.