Trigger Point Therapy in Virginia – Primary Health Center Chiropractic  

Have you ever had pain or knots in your shoulders, arms, legs, or neck? These are referred to as trigger points and are located in the muscles of your body. They can cause inflammation and pain and can radiate to other parts of your body. 

These are often triggered by various factors such as an injury, poor posture, emotional stress, or overuse of a certain muscle. Using chiropractic therapy can help alleviate these symptoms. 

About Trigger Point Therapy 

When these conditions or factors cause the muscles to get injured or stressed, they create trigger points, which are referred to as “myo” or “myofascial.” These points can then lead to pain and inflammation. 

One of the most common trigger points in the Myofascial is the trigger point in the shoulder. When it’s pressed on, it can cause a shortening of the muscle fibers, which then leads to referred pain. Referred pain refers to the effect of a trigger point on another part of the body. For instance, pain in the shoulder can affect the other parts of the body. 

The average muscle makes up around 36 to 42% of the body’s weight. These muscles can have a significant effect on our health. 

The functioning of the muscles is very important for us, as it allows us to perform various activities with ease. When the muscles have built up too many trigger points, we can experience a loss of function and pain. 

When a person is diagnosed with chronic or Myofascial Pain Syndrome, the primary cause of their symptoms is the presence of trigger points. These points can then trigger painful symptoms that are often referred to as the great mimickers. 

Other Diagnoses Include: 

• Headaches 
• Rotator Cuff Pain 
• Tennis Elbow 
• Back Pain 
• Neck Pain 
• Hand and Arm Pain 
• Repetitive Strain Injuries 
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 
• Pelvic Pain 
• Hip Pain
• Sciatica 
• Knee Pain 
• Leg Pain 
• Tendinitis 
• Arthritis 

Many people who seek relief from pain are under-treated for their conditions due to the lack of a specific muscle specialty in medicine. Myofascial pain, on the other hand, is often overlooked as a possible cause of discomfort. 

Although the treatment of myofascial pain has been around for quite some time, most medical training does not include it as a part of their curriculum. Instead, they commonly use various forms of treatment, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and strength training. These methods tend to prove ineffective and can worsen the condition of the trigger points if they are not followed properly. 

How do they form? 

Some damage to muscles and connective tissues can produce trigger points in many ways: 

• One of the most common trigger points that can cause pain is the prolonged loading or carrying of items. This can cause the muscles in the affected region to tense up.
• Other common trigger points that can cause pain are the overuse injuries that are commonly caused by repetitive activities, such as typing or working in a factory. 
• Poor posture can also be a trigger point for pain. It can be caused by emotional and mental stress, as well as prolonged sitting and bed rest. Another common cause of trigger points is the injury caused by a strain or twist. 

Trigger Point Therapy 

The goal of trigger point therapy is to alleviate the pain in the affected area using pressure on the various sensitive tissues within the body. This type of treatment is usually combined with a massage. Although active trigger points can cause pain in different parts of the body, they can also be used to treat the same issue. 

A trigger point is considered to be a latent trigger point, which means it does not produce pain until it is pressed. This condition can lead to a loss of range of motion and joint stiffness as people get older. 

Using pressure on the trigger points can help ease the pain and improve the function of the tissues surrounding it. Although it can cause some discomfort, this type of therapy can also help people feel better at the same time. 

Healing Trigger Points with Therapy From Primary Health Center Chiropractic 

Almost everyone has experienced some form of trigger point pain at some point in their lives. At Primary Health Center Chiropractic, our skilled practitioners are trained to identify and release the trigger points safely and effectively. They are also certified in complementary massage and acupuncture.