What are these “knots” in my muscles? Lets learn about “knots” and Trigger Point Therapy

Have you ever heard someone say, “ugh I got a massive knot in my shoulders,” well this ‘knot’ is called a Trigger Point. And Trigger Points can cause quite a bit of pain, either locally or referred pain around the point of tenderness.

What is it?

Trigger Point Therapy is a Remedial Massage technique which aims to release painful tension in the fascia and muscles. They are most known as ‘knots.’

What is a Trigger Point?

Most individuals refer to a Trigger Point as a knot, but it is essentially a sore point in the muscle. Once it becomes too sensitive it causes pain without any pressure (this is the most common cause of muscular pain). They can cause referral pain, either above or below the Trigger Point area. There are three types of Trigger Points, see below to find out more.

Types of Trigger Points:

There are three different types of Trigger Points which contributes to pain and everyone can incur either one or more at a time.

Active Trigger Points

This is the type of trigger point which causes pain even when there is no pressure applied. This is the most common cause of muscular pain.

Latent Trigger Points

These cause pain when pressed on and refers around the body. Latent Trigger Points can often lead to Active Trigger Points.

Satellite Trigger Points

This is the area where a Trigger Point pain is referred to. For example, if there is a trigger point in your shoulder, and the pain refers to your elbow, the points at the elbow would be Satellite Trigger Points.

This image is a fantastic visual for individuals to understand Trigger Points and the referral pattern.