Trigger Point Massage - How To Avoid The Most Common Mistakes
A lot of people know of massage therapy, but many do not realize it's a particular type of therapy. Many tend to confuse massage with manicure or pedicure. However, there are major differences between these kinds of therapy. In manicure and pedicure, the focus is more on removing the nail polish and making the cuticle easy - this does not really apply to massage. Trigger point massage is a more targeted approach, focusing directly on releasing painful trigger points within the body, which may result in chronic pain and emotional stress.
Trigger point massage targets the tightest parts of the body (most often the lower back and neck), helping to improve mobility, posture, and range of motion. While nearly all massage is not painful, some could be. If you are getting a massage in a professional facility, the masseuse can use massage oil or a lubricant in order to reduce the sensation that could come with some types of massage. Slimming down is usually recommended so you do not risk triggering the knots that can cause pain.
The term"trigger point" refers to the specialized regions where massage therapy focuses its attention. There are actually hundreds of these points throughout the body, but if the pain occurs, it's typically located in a certain area. Trigger points are often hyper-sensitive, meaning that they are"on" more than other areas within the body. Because of this, chronic pain from these spots may lead to discomfort in many locations. Trigger points can be activated by activities like repetitive movement (running, jumping, etc..)
Trigger points can be very tricky to treat and target, but with some simple self-massage techniques you can improve circulation, decrease muscle knots, loosen knots, etc. By way of instance, when I do my weekly Swedish massage, I start with my hands and go up to my shoulders. I work my way down to my arms, working the muscles along my spine. Then I bring myself back up to my throat and keep the massage from there.
Some therapists have been known to suggest stretching to the relief of pain, but if your muscles are tight, it will only worsen the situation. This is the reason it's important to begin at the origin: with the muscles. While a therapist may have the ability to target specific tender points, they generally do not know enough about your personal condition to efficiently target the areas for the best results.
Another frequent recommendation by massage therapists is to apply a cold compress to the trigger points. Cold compress is really very helpful in reducing pain, but it doesn't always work. Cold compress only works because the blood vessels surrounding the hyper-sensitive regions become smaller. This results in decreased blood flow and reduced oxygen to the muscles, which then causes more pain.
If you're searching for trigger point therapy to help with chronic pain, or to relieve the discomfort of injuries or sports injuries, start looking for a provider who has expertise treating injuries and sports injuries. Look also for suppliers who specialize in trigger point massage. You want somebody who is fully trained and educated in this treatment method. A massage therapist who's just starting out may not have the expertise you require.
Trigger points are almost everyone's worst nightmare, and nearly everyone wants to avoid them as much as possible. Trigger points are knots, either shallow or deep, that form in muscles. There are many different knots, and each individual develops a different sensitivity to pain. Trigger point massage is often recommended for the removal or reduction of these annoying knots.