What is a trigger point?

“A trigger point is defined as “a highly irritable localized spot of tenderness in a nodule in a palpable taut band of muscle tissue.” The first part of that very exacting definition just means that a trigger point hurts like the devil when you push on it. When a trigger point is active enough, you’re likely to startle, wince, and pull away. This is called “giving the jump sign.”

The “nodule” in the formal definition is the trigger point itself. To your fingertips, it feels like a knot or a small lump that can range in size from a pinhead to a pea. In the large muscles of the thigh, a trigger point can feel like a lump the size of your thumb.”

“Trigger points are able to refer pain (called the zone of reference) to different areas. When pressure is applied to the trigger point, you will be able to reproduce the pain in the zone of reference.

Possible causes for the formation of a trigger point:

• Overuse of muscles

• Mechanical overload

• Lack of exercise

• Joint problems

• Stress

• Poor posture

How can your physiotherapist help in the treatment of a trigger point?

⇒ Posture training and education

⇒ Help to identify and correct predisposing and perpetuating factors in chronic overuse or stress injury on muscles

⇒ Stretching of tight and shortened muscles

⇒ Trigger point pressure release

⇒ Dry needling therapy”

Sources: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Trigger_Points

Picture:  http://www.boulderacusport.com/2015/09/trigger-points-athletic-performance/