Trigger points are specific areas of a traumatized, distressed, or imbalanced muscle that radiate pain to other locations in the body. Trigger points manifest as painful knots or hypersensitive nodules that frequently occur in the neck, back, shoulders, arms, and legs and frequently occur as a result of overuse or injury. Trigger point therapy is a form of soft tissue manipulation that effectively releases tension and pain in the muscles and fascia. Hogan Family Chiropractic in Frisco, TX, has been compassionately and effectively serving patients in the Frisco area since 2001. Dr. Mike and Dr. Andrea practice trigger point therapy in combination with various highly effective chiropractic healing modalities and acupuncture to bring improved healing and pain relief to their community patients.
About Trigger Points
There are three types of trigger points:
- Active trigger points cause pain in the body without pressure being placed on the area of injury. Active trigger points can cause myofascial pain and are experienced as neck and back pain, headaches, knee pain, and sciatica.
- Latent trigger points cause pain when the area of injury is pressed on. This pain may radiate to other areas of the body – over time, latent trigger points lead to active trigger points.
- Satellite trigger points refer to other areas of the body connected to the primary trigger point. For example, a trigger point in the shoulder may radiate pain to the elbow, the satellite trigger point.
Trigger points can be caused by a lack of oxygen and nutrients in the tissue, overuse resulting in a breaking down of the muscle fibers, or injury to the muscle or fascia that does not heal fully.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy can utilize several techniques that can help increase mobility and improve pain. For trigger point therapy care, Dr. Mike or Dr. Andrea in Frisco will use sustained pressure on the knot with their thumb, fingers, elbow, or tool to manipulate the trigger point and stretch the muscle. Myofascial dry needling, a form of acupuncture, may also be recommended. Dry needling involves the insertion of an acupuncture needle into the trigger point, which helps the muscle contract and relax, improves blood flow into the area, and eventually helps the muscle tissue release tension. Dry needling also benefits the nervous system and helps the body desensitize to pain in the targeted area.
Trigger point therapy is a safe and effective treatment for muscular and myofascial pain and tension. Dr. Mike and Dr. Andrea at Hogan Family Chiropractic in Frisco have decades of experience providing chiropractic care and acupuncture. For holistic pain relief and healing, contact Hogan Family Chiropractic for an appointment today! (469) 633-0123.