Whether
there are even trigger points exists is still controversial. On both sides,
proponents will argue and come to no definite conclusion. The trigger point
therapy includes Ca's differential accumulation at certain points and the
subsequent reaction of nerve and muscle tissue. The hypothesis is not just wild
speculation, while still under investigation.
It's
a matter of careful examination to locate a trigger point for trigger point therapy, a small area where the muscles are in this particular condition.
Some assume that taut muscle bands are an indication that can be felt as well
as a hard nodule (a central locus or area). One challenge is that pain can
often be referred to as trigger points.
Referring
to pain' means stimulating one region where harm can actually be present but
felt elsewhere. Which, of course, makes it tricky to find the actual trouble
spot. One method is to run a finger perpendicular to the direction of the
muscle, then check for a response to the twitch. Pressing the muscle at the
point where it contracts is thought to be a way to find the trigger point.
Others
reported an increase of heat near the trigger point in the area. This may be
true if there is higher chemical activity in a region of pain. Inflammation,
which can produce a small amount of heat, often accompanies pain.
While
this kind of massage therapy has its critics (which is healthy) and is
not taught in medical schools, studies suggest that it has more than just
wishful thinking. When qualified, in individual trials, therapists will
routinely find trigger points. It means that there is a factual basis that is
established by each.
Muscle
pain physiology is still a popular area of research. Yet serious studies appear
to find trigger points at the juncture of thin, over-stimulated spindles of the
muscle. Think of a spinning band of vines around each other. So assume that
the' rope' has a small knot at some point other than the ends. For a trigger
point, that's a visual metaphor.
Using
the common tapotement technique is one way to approach them as a massage therapist.
This is a mild to medium tapping motion that is often part of Swedish massage
or sports massage. The region is tapped, moving above and below the suspected
problem, using the fingers or a small instrument. Elbows are sometimes used for
a slightly higher strength.
