Trigger Point Massage - How To Avoid The Most Common Mistakes
A lot of people know of massage therapy, but many do not realize it is a specific type of therapy. Many tend to confuse massage with pedicure or manicure. But, there are major differences between such therapy. In manicure and pedicure, the focus is more on removing the nail polish and making the cuticle smooth - this does not really apply to massage. Trigger point massage is a more targeted approach, focusing directly on releasing painful trigger points in the body, which may lead to chronic pain and psychological 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 isn't painful, some could be. If you are getting a massage in a professional facility, the masseuse may use massage oil or a lubricant to be able to minimize the sensation that could come with some kinds of massage. Slimming down is usually recommended so you do not risk triggering the knots that can lead to pain.
The term"trigger point" refers to the specialized regions where massage therapy focuses its attention. There are in fact hundreds of those points throughout the body, but if the pain occurs, it is typically located in a specific place. Trigger points are usually hyper-sensitive, meaning that they are"on" over other regions within the body. Because of this, chronic pain from such spots may cause discomfort in many areas. Trigger points can be activated by activities such as repetitive movement (running, jumping, etc..)
Trigger points can be quite tricky to target and treat, but with some basic self-massage techniques you can improve circulation, reduce muscle knots, loosen knots, etc. For 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 back. Then I bring myself back up to my neck and continue the massage from there.
Some therapists are known to suggest stretching for the relief of pain, but if your muscles are tight, it will only worsen the situation. This is why it's important to start at the source: together with the muscles. While a therapist may be able to target specific tender points, they generally do not know enough about your personal condition to efficiently target the regions for the best results.
Another common recommendation by massage therapists is to apply a cold compress to the trigger factors. Cold compress is really very effective 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 into the muscles, which then causes more pain.
If you're searching for trigger point therapy to aid with chronic pain, or to relieve the discomfort of injuries or sports injuries, start looking for a provider who has expertise handling injuries and sports injuries. Look also for suppliers who focus on trigger point massage. You want somebody who is fully trained and knowledgeable in this treatment method. A massage therapist who's just starting out might not have the expertise you need.
Trigger points are almost everyone's worst nightmare, and nearly everyone wants to avoid them as far 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 troublesome knots.