It’s more than likely you’re familiar with the muscle knots that can pop up from time to time. They can be sensitive and sore and downright frustrating to deal with. Regardless of where your muscle knots come from, trigger point therapy can be an incredible solution for getting rid of them.
Many times, it takes just one trigger point massage to get immediate relief! If that sounds like something you could benefit from then you’re going to want to keep reading.
What is Trigger Point Therapy?
Trigger point therapy is a type of massage that works to soften muscle knots. It will either help to reduce the muscle knot or get rid of it together.
Getting rid of the knots is done with the application of different levels of pressure to the affected area. The massage therapist will rub and press on the muscle knots to help them release.
While there may be some discomfort when getting trigger point therapy, it’s generally only temporary and can mean great relief afterward. Trigger point therapy is a great solution for those who suffer from chronic muscle knots. Or even those who only get them from time to time.
The Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy can be incredible for providing you with benefits. Let’s explore some of them here!
Fewer headaches
If you’re someone who experiences headaches they could be coming from tight muscles in the upper back and neck areas. If these areas are the root of your headaches then trigger point therapy can be a great solution.
It’s important that the root cause is identified and then treated with the release of the muscles. Trigger point therapy has been known to be even more beneficial for treating headaches than pain relief medication. Always be sure to talk to your doctor before you decide which method is the right one for you.
Better posture
When you have tight muscles, it can cause slouching and bad posture. Relieving the tightness and pain associated with bad posture and tight muscles can be done with trigger point therapy. The more you ease tension and pressure in the neck and shoulders the better your posture is going to be.
Having good posture in the short term can also mean fewer physical problems in the future as well – a major bonus!
Less pain
Dealing with chronic pain can be excruciating. The whole goal of trigger point therapy is to get rid of pain overall, so regardless of what pain you might be dealing with it could be just the thing you need.
An evaluation of the pain will be done first, followed by a plan and the course of action to take.
Better flexibility
Do you find your muscles are tight or that you’re lacking when it comes to your range of motion? Trigger point therapy can be great for getting rid of muscle tension and making you more flexible in the process.
Athletes have been known to get trigger point therapy when they’re experiencing muscle pain or tightness. That’s a big indicator that it’s a great solution for relieving pain in the muscles and increasing mobility in the process.
The Difference Between Trigger Point Therapy and Acupressure
Trigger point therapy and acupressure are two techniques that have roots in the same principle. They both include a focus on trigger points along with the procedures and methods used. They are different, however, in a few ways:
- With acupressure, the goal is to release the various blocked energy centers while with trigger point therapy the goal is to relieve pain
- Acupressure has been around for a long time and is a part of Chinese medicine that can be traced back two thousand years. Trigger point therapy is a newer and more modern method
- You can usually find trigger points spread out around the body while acupressure points are usually found on places like the hands and feet, although there are many areas where acupressure can be used
- It’s easy to take your hand and feel around for trigger points while acupressure points are hard to see and feel
- Acupressure is usually applied to help get rid of the symptoms that often come with different illnesses while trigger point therapy works to target specific muscles
While they might have some differences, both trigger point therapy and acupuncture can be great for a lot of reasons. If you don’t know a lot about acupressure, it essentially involves applying firm pressure onto stiff muscles which helps to relax them and reduce any symptoms that someone might be experiencing. It can help to treat anything from headaches and fatigue to vomiting and nausea.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trigger Point Therapy
We’re happy to share our answers to some of the most common questions we get asked about in regards to trigger point therapy. Read on to learn more!
How do you prepare for trigger point therapy?
So, you’re ready to go for your first trigger point therapy session. But what do you need to do to prepare? The first thing you will want to do is drink plenty of water ahead of your appointment. Four cups of water is usually a good amount to have before you come in.
If you’re not someone who drinks a lot of water regularly then you’re going to want to pick up a water bottle and get to drinking a few days before.
It’s a good idea to wear something comfortable to your appointment that you can move around in with ease. Makeup-free is always a good idea too so you can feel comfortable.
What can you expect during a trigger point therapy session?
Once you’ve prepared for your session, you’ll be ready to go. Your therapist will likely start by going into a bit about your history. They will ask you questions to get an idea of where your pain is and what your health and lifestyle look like. You’d be amazed at what symptoms could be coming from a trigger point.
Physical exams may also take place to get an idea of how your body moves so they can pinpoint any irregularities in the muscles.
Once they’ve gone through everything with you, you’ll lay down on a bed and your therapist will begin by feeling for your trigger points. They will then continue through the session by pressing and holding the trigger points to release them.
What does aftercare look like?
Once you’ve left your trigger point therapy session, you’ll need to follow the aftercare recommendations given by your therapist. This is important for preventing trigger points in the future.
They will likely get you to use tools at home to keep those muscle knots from coming back. This is usually something simple like a tennis ball or even a self-massager so you can take care of those areas on your own.
The better you take care of yourself following your appointment the less likely you are to get muscle knots, experience pain, and have to come back in the future.
How much does it cost?
The truth is that prices are going to vary depending on where you live and where you go for your trigger point therapy. On average, however, you can expect to pay around $260 for your initial visit, which is generally longer. From there the average cost is about $180 for usually shorter follow-up sessions.
If you and your therapist decide on using tools to help after your treatment then this could be an additional cost as well. However, as we said earlier this cost can be minimal if you use simpler tools!
Can you do at-home trigger point therapy?
Like with many professional services, trigger point therapy is done best by a professional. While you might think you know which points should be taken care of, an expert is always going to know best.
The good news is your practitioner can help to give you pointers that can help you to do at-home trigger point therapy – at least as upkeep in between sessions! Sometimes a combination of at-home and in-person is the perfect solution for those who want to keep their sessions as affordable as possible.
Get Trigger Point Massage Therapy in West Palm Beach
Does trigger point massage therapy sound like the perfect solution to your muscle knots? Look no further than Anushka Spa & Salon for your specialized trigger point massage.
Your one-of-a-kind experience includes coming into our secluded spa wing and then changing into a luxurious robe and slippers. You’ll be encouraged to relax and take advantage of our amenities before your massage even starts! Have a nicely brewed tea, delicacy, or infused water to help you feel fresh and at ease.
The experience at Anushka is like none other! Call to book your next massage, get rid of those muscle knots, and relax all at the same time.
