At Acomb Chiropractic Clinic, we are committed to holistic healing, we believe that addressing muscle knots at their source can transform the way you experience your body. Trigger point therapy targets hyperirritable spots within tight bands of muscle tissue. When these points are released, pain can diminish, and movement can improve. On this page, we will explore how this specialised manual technique could enhance your well-being and complement your chiropractic care.
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are small, tender nodules within muscle fibres that develop when muscles become overworked or injured. These hyperirritable spots can refer pain to other areas of the body, creating headaches, backache, or joint discomfort. Often, you might feel a stiff knot beneath your fingertips, accompanied by local tenderness. By understanding these points, we can better target the root cause of your tension.
How trigger point therapy works
Trigger point therapy involves skilled palpation and sustained pressure applied directly to muscle knots. Our chiropractors use their hands, elbows, or specialised tools to gradually lengthen and release the affected fibres. As pressure is maintained, blood flow increases, allowing oxygen to flow freely again, the aim of this is to normalise overactive muscle tone. We often pair this work with chiropractic manipulations aiming to realign the spine and enhance overall results.
- Identification of trigger points through assessment and muscle testing
- Application of targeted pressure for 10 to 30 seconds per point
- Gentle stretching to elongate the muscle fibres
- Follow-up manipulations aim to maintain spinal alignment and flexibility
Possible benefits of trigger point therapy
When properly applied by a qualified chiropractor, trigger point therapy offers a variety of advantages. It can break the cycle of chronic pain, improve range of motion, and support injury recovery. Many patients report relief from tension headaches, sciatica, and neck stiffness after just a few sessions. By complementing chiropractic manipulations, we aim to foster lasting mobility.
- Reduce localised and referred pain
- Enhance flexibility and joint function
- Speed up rehabilitation after strains or sprains
- Lower muscle tension and stress levels
What to expect during treatment
During your first session, your chiropractor will perform a thorough musculoskeletal evaluation to locate trigger points and assess posture and movement patterns. During treatment, you may experience mild discomfort as pressure builds, but this sensation typically subsides quickly. Over time, we hope you will notice reduced muscle tension and greater ease of movement. It is normal to have some soreness after any hands-on treatment; some mild bruising can also occur with trigger point therapy occasionally.
Self-care tips between visits
To maximise the benefits of your therapy, simple self-care measures can make a big difference. Incorporating gentle stretches and hydration into your daily routine will support muscle health and may prevent new trigger points from forming. Consider mindful breathing exercises to release tension throughout the day. Consistent self-care could accelerate your progress and help maintain comfort between visits.
- Perform gentle neck and shoulder stretches twice daily
- Apply a warm compress to soothe tight muscles, or use an ice pack after treatment to help reduce soreness and inflammation
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet
- Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
Is trigger point therapy right for you?
Trigger point therapy is an effective, non-invasive option for almost anyone struggling with muscle tightness, chronic pain, or restricted mobility. If you have tried standard chiropractic care and still experience stubborn knots, this targeted approach could be the missing piece in your wellness journey.
At Acomb Chiropractic Clinic, we are committed to helping you if we can. If you suspect that your discomfort may be helped by trigger point therapy, we encourage you to contact us for a personalised consultation. Our experienced chiropractic team will conduct a thorough assessment, explain our findings and what we think is possible in clear terms. If appropriate, we will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and goals, aiming to maximise your possible benefit.
Not all complaints are suitable for chiropractic care or a specific treatment technique. If we think we cannot help your complaint, or you require more investigations, we will do our best to support you in finding another path forward.