Trigger points are the result of an injury to the fascia. Furthermore, they are often the beginning of the development of myofascial pain syndrome, which causes a deep-rooted ache in a localized muscular area. In addition to the painful trigger point, trigger points cause referred pain -- or muscle pain in an entirely different area (such as a shoulder muscle trigger point that causes pain in the neck muscles). While myofascial syndrome is a little different from your typical muscle pain, there are a few treatment options that may be successful for relieving trigger points.
Trigger Point Injections
Treating trigger points can be difficult, since medical options tend to be relatively minimal. Of course, there are pain medications, but these are a symptomatic option -- they don’t deal with the root of the issue. Many doctors recommend trigger point injections; in fact, this is the most likely treatment from a family doctor or pain specialist. Trigger point injections involve an injection of an anesthetic or numbing agent directly into the bunch of muscle causing the trigger point. Common medications for this purpose include: bupivacaine, etidocaine, and lidocaine. In some cases, steroid injections into the trigger point can also be effective by reducing the production of chemicals that cause inflammation.
Dry Needling
In some cases, however, simply the injection of a needle without medication can be a good treatment choice for some. Called dry needling, it seems to provide a sort of release, breaking up the bunch of fascial material that’s causing the problem. Similarly, many people dealing with trigger points find acupuncture an effective means of relieving trigger point pain.
Physical Therapy
Patients suffering from myofascial trigger points often turn to physical therapy as a means of treatment. Your physical therapist will likely devise a treatment plan geared specifically towards your particular problem, including a variety of different procedures. This might mean stretches and exercises that increase strength and flexibility to not only help with current pains, but also prevent future trigger points from developing. Posturing is a method to improve your posture, as the stress of poor posture can cause trigger points by straining muscles. Applying heat through a hot pack or shower can help relax the muscles. Ultrasound therapy works similarly, except soundwaves are used to induce warmth through the circulation of the blood. Massage techniques may be helpful, as well.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is a myofascial pain treatment specifically created for dealing with trigger points. The key to being able to use these exercises and posturing techniques is to get the muscle to release its tension. Trigger point therapy uses methods such as the “spray and stretch,” which utilizes an external vapo-coolant spray to “distract the muscle into a more complete stretch thereby helping to release the trigger point,” according to the National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists. Another technique for releasing trigger points involve the therapist pressing the trigger point with finger or device, increasing force as the trigger point slowly releases. It is important to follow up these therapies with at home care to allow the muscle to regain its full range of movement.
At Home Treatments
If you get trigger points frequently, you may be looking for a means of getting them to “release” on your own, instead of having to make frequent visits to the doctor. Trigger point rollers were devised as a means of keeping the fascia healthy, thus potentially minimizing trigger points. Foam rollers improve blood flow, which in turn helps with overall movement and function. GRID rollers are a specific brand and claim their specially designed 3D surface is particularly beneficial for encouraging the flow of blood and oxygen, “the nutrients needed to repair muscles.” Roller therapy enthusiasts claim even a few moments a day is helpful. There are several different techniques, particularly depending on the part of the body, but Trigger Point Performance recommends rolling (using the body part to move across the roller), spanning (moving the body part on the roller while the roller is stationary), and stretching (stretching across the stationary roller). Talk to your trigger point therapist about which techniques are best for you.
