Trigger Point Therapy: Precision Massage That Works

Muscle tension can be sneaky. Do you ever feel those tight “knots” in your muscles that just won’t let go? Those are trigger points—small, hyper-irritated spots that can cause pain, tension, and even radiating discomfort. Sometimes the pain in your shoulder isn’t coming from your shoulder at all—it’s radiating from a tense muscle in your neck or back. That’s where trigger point therapy comes in: a focused, effective massage technique designed to locate and release "knots" that refer pain elsewhere in the body.

🌐 What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that feel like tight bands or nodules. They can develop due to:

• Injury

• Repetitive use

• Poor posture

• Chronic stress

• Inflammation or structural imbalance

They may be active (causing pain at rest) or latent (only painful when touched), and often refer pain to other areas. For example, a trigger point in the neck can send pain to the head, mimicking a tension headache.

Trigger Point in Gluteus Minimus referral zone

📍 Examples of Common Referral Zones:

• Neck trigger points → Headache or jaw pain

• Shoulder blade trigger points → Arm and wrist tingling

• Gluteal trigger points → Sciatic-like leg pain

• Calf trigger points → Foot or heel discomfort

💆‍♀️ How Trigger Point Therapy Works:

A trained therapist applies direct, sustained pressure to specific trigger points using fingers, knuckles, or tools. This process helps:

• Release the contracted muscle fiber

• Improve blood and oxygen flow

• Interrupt the pain cycle

• Restore mobility and function

Trigger point therapy may be combined with myofascial release, stretching, or microcurrent therapy for deeper relief and faster recovery.

🌟 Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy:

• Reduces referred and local pain

• Improves range of motion

• Eases tension headaches and TMJ

• Supports posture and spinal alignment

• Enhances athletic performance and recovery

• Complements treatment of chronic pain conditions

🧠 Who Can Benefit?

Trigger point therapy can help:

• Office workers with postural strain

• Athletes with overuse injuries

• Those with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue

• Clients recovering from surgery

• Anyone experiencing unexplained or recurring pain

At Longwell Massage Therapy, we combine Trigger Point Therapy with other advanced techniques like Neuromuscular Massage, Myofascial Release, Microcurrent Therapy, and Lymphatic Support to restore balance and help your body feel its best.

If you live near Dunedin, FL, like Clearwater, Oldsmar, Safety Harbor, and Palm Harbor, it may be worth a trip to try these techniques.