What Are Trigger Point and Neuromuscular Therapy?

Generally speaking, trigger points usually refer to as “knots” or “tender points” in muscles.

More specifically, trigger point therapy addresses specific muscle fibers within the specific muscles that trigger pain in other or even distant areas of the body. For instance, a trigger point in a specific muscle of the hip can mimic a “sciatica” pain referral down the leg, causing the pain to travel down the leg away from the original site of injury or dysfunction.

A trigger point in a shoulder muscle can fire a painful response to the neck and head causing a chronic neck problem, such as headache and restricted range of motion. Or it can trigger from the shoulder down to the elbow, wrist, and/or hand.

It is important for massage therapists to have extensive knowledge of trigger points and pain patterns so they are actually treating the source of the pain, not just chasing the symptoms.