Many of the millions of American who suffer from chronic pain but don’t want to rely on opioids or other risky pain management treatments are finding relief in trigger point therapy. In fact, many physical therapists have incorporated trigger point therapy into their treatment plans for those suffering from both chronic and acute pain and certain medical symptoms and conditions. Never heard of trigger point therapy? Know the benefits and determine if trigger point therapy could be right for you.
What are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are painful knots of soft tissue that can develop from overuse, lack of use, or trauma. Trigger points often are sore when pressed and can cause pain in that spot that can radiate to other parts of the body. Trigger points are found all over your body, but the ones that seem to be most problematic are found in the neck and back area. When a trigger point is “triggered,” expect to feel sharp pain, followed by a nagging or throbbing sensation that can go away as fast it came, or linger for weeks or even months.
What is Trigger Point Therapy?
Trigger point therapy consists of a variety of treatments designed to release pressure on the affected area, thereby allowing the knotted muscle to relax. Treatments vary depending on your symptoms or condition, and by what your physical or occupational therapist recommends. Of the many kinds of trigger point therapies, the most common include therapeutic massage, dry needling and trigger point release. Specifically, dry needling is used by physical therapists to create an involuntary response in the affected muscle(s) that depolarizes tissue; they do this by inserting a very thin “dry” needle (it contains no medication) into the tight muscle and gently manipulating it to create relief.
Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy
The benefits of trigger point therapy are numerous. Not only is it effective in reducing headaches and muscle tension, it can also improve range of motion and flexibility. Patients have found it successful in improving their posture and relieving pain.
Patients like that there is no medication involved; they can seek treatment during a lunch hour and not worry about driving or any experiencing any side effects; it also reduces and may even eliminate the need for pain medication and opioids.
Trigger point therapy is, for the most part, pain free. While dry needling is minimally invasive and some massage therapies can leave you feeling sore, the relief from pain is notable and worth a little discomfort.
In the form of therapeutic massage, trigger point therapy can ease the source of pain via cycles of isolated pressure and release while the patient performs some deep breathing exercises, helping to improve blood circulation and release the constricted areas in the muscles.
Most importantly, trigger point therapy has found success treating pain associated with a variety of ailments, to include arthritis, fibromyalgia and musculoskeletal pain, to TMJ disorder, herniated discs and sciatica, even Parkinson’s disease and cancer.
Trigger Point Therapy in Round Rock and Austin, Texas
Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness is an outpatient physical therapy and hand therapy clinic that offers a comprehensive range of services that promote wellness and recovery, including trigger point therapies that include dry needling. Our providers are experts at helping patients overcome pain from musculoskeletal injuries and conditions that can occur in a moment, or from years of wear and tear.
If you are in the greater Austin area and are trying to overcome pain, call us today at (512) 284-7192 or request an appointment online. Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness can get you back out doing the things you enjoy, pain free, in no time!
