Trigger Point

A trigger point is an area of bunched muscle fibers that are localized to a small region.

Practitioners of trigger point therapy believe that these points can cause pain both in the area of the trigger as well as in other parts of the body. This is often called referred pain.

Generally trigger points are thought to cause pain that cannot be explained through other means. Although many people believe that trigger points are a source of pain, there is little scientific evidence backing it.

If the trigger point is pressed then it may also induce the same pain that the patient suffers from. Although the trigger site method is used by a large number of different practitioners including massage therapists and chiropractors there is still no formal way of defining it. This is one of the reasons why many medical professionals are hesitant to take the therapy seriously.

Myofascial pain syndrome is the main theory behind trigger point therapy. This syndrome occurs when hyperirritable spots affect functions of the central nervous system.

The pain that occurs as a result of this is thought to arise because of trigger points.

Self treatment usually involves using the elbow or knee to press on the points as the fingers can get tired relatively quickly. Although in general treating a trigger point in order to try to reduce pain is safe, there are some situations where it may not be advisable.