TRIGGER POINTS

Trigger points therapy is a technique that uses various forms of pressure and movements in different directions in sensitive areas of the muscle tissue. The goal of therapy is to free yourself from pain and improve disturbed movement patterns. Trigger point therapy is sometimes also called myofascial therapy.

The trigger point is a sensitive area in the muscle of tension that is painful under pressure and causes radiating pain and other symptoms in areas of the body distant from the site of the irritation. Radiation pain from these trigger points often resembles the topography of sciatica pain or discopathy.

Active and hidden trigger points

In trigger points, we distinguish active and hidden points. An active trigger point causes pain in all positions of daily living, from muscle activity to standing and resting. In contrast, a hidden trigger point shows soreness by palpation (irritation during the examination).

 

FACTORS FAVORING THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRIGGER POINTS

  • Congenital factors e.g. shortening of the lower limb, facial distortion, hypermobility etc.
  • occupational overload, incorrect movement and posture habits,
  • injuries, e.g. whip-type injuries, surgical procedures, repeated overloads (micro-injuries),
  • physical inactivity, immobilization, sedentary lifestyle,
  • muscle activity without warming up,
  • diseases of internal organs,
  • degenerative changes in joints,
  • reflex changes of a segmental nature,
  • pathological stress (distress).

SYMPTOMS OF TRIGGER POINTS:

  • limiting the range of motion in the joint (passive or active),
  • feeling stiff when moving,
  • weakness of a single muscle or group of muscles
  • radiating pain
  • sweating of a given area,
  • increased pilomotor activity (goose bumps),
  • deep sensation disorders,
  • balance problems and dizziness,
  • worse muscle coordination.