What are Trigger Points aka ‘Knots’?

Trigger points develop in muscle tissue when it shortens, or tenses, trapping toxins such as lactic acid. When a muscle is hypertonic, blood circulation cannot easily reach the tissues to flush out these toxins, resulting in pain.

Myofascial (muscle/connective tissue) pain can be caused by stress, compensation for poor posture and repetitive strain, fatigue, immobility, dehydration, and/or poor nutrition. In addition to pain, trigger points may also cause muscle stiffness or weakness, numbness/tingling in extremities, dizziness, sweating, and vasoconstriction (poor blood flow).

If left untreated, a chain reaction may occur, in which secondary or ‘satellite’ trigger points develop in referral areas of chronically active or ‘key’ trigger points, giving rise to more pain. Referral areas are general patterns between individuals, creating pain in areas other than where the primary problem is. Common patterns include ‘tension’ headaches, sometimes sinus, ear or toothaches, and pain in the extremities, arising from the torso, neck and shoulder muscles.

A Registered Massage Therapist is trained to loosen and release hypertonic muscles and trigger points, reducing tension and pain, while improving circulation and relaxation. Stretching regularly, before and after exercise, for a minimum of 30 seconds for each muscle, drinking plenty of water, applying heat and receiving regular massage are natural measures to minimize and prevent your trigger point pain.

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