Trigger Point Massage - How To Avoid The Most Common Mistakes
Many people have heard of massage therapy, but many do not realize it's a particular sort of therapy. Many tend to confuse massage with manicure or pedicure. But, there are significant differences between these kinds of therapy. In pedicure and manicure, the focus is more on removing the nail polish and making the cuticle easy - this does not really apply to massage. Trigger point massage is a more targeted approach, focusing directly on releasing painful trigger points within the body, which may result in chronic pain and emotional stress.
Trigger point massage targets the tightest parts of the body (most often the lower back and neck), helping to enhance mobility, posture, and range of movement. While nearly all massage isn't painful, some may be. If you are getting a massage in a professional facility, the masseuse may use massage oil or a lubricant in order to minimize the sensation that can come with some kinds of massage. Slimming down is usually recommended so you don't risk triggering the knots that can lead to pain.
The term"trigger point" refers to the technical regions where massage therapy focuses its attention. There are actually hundreds of those points across the body, but when the pain occurs, it's typically located in a certain area. Trigger points are often hyper-sensitive, meaning that they are"on" over other regions within the body. As a result of this, chronic pain from such spots may lead to discomfort in many locations. Trigger points can be activated by activities such as repetitive motion (running, jumping, etc..)
Trigger points can be very tricky to target and treat, but with some simple self-massage techniques it is possible to improve circulation, reduce muscle knots, loosen knots, etc. By way of example, when I do my weekly Swedish massage, I begin with my hands and go up to my shoulders. I work my way down to my arms, working the muscles along my spine. Then I bring myself back up to my throat and keep the massage from there.
Some therapists have been known to indicate stretching for the relief of pain, but if your muscles are tight, it will only worsen the situation. This is the reason it's important to begin at the origin: together with the muscles. While a therapist may be able to target specific tender points, they generally don't know enough about your personal condition to efficiently target the areas for the best results.
Another common recommendation by massage therapists is to apply a cold compress to the trigger factors. Cold compress is really very effective in reducing pain, but it doesn't always work. Cold compress only works because the blood vessels surrounding the hyper-sensitive regions become smaller. This results in decreased blood flow and reduced oxygen into the muscles, which then causes more pain.
If you're looking for trigger point therapy to aid with chronic pain, or to relieve the discomfort of accidents or sports injuries, start looking for a supplier who has experience handling injuries and sports injuries. Look also for providers who focus on trigger point massage. You want somebody who is fully trained and knowledgeable in this treatment method. A massage therapist who's just starting out might not have the expertise you need.
Trigger points are almost everyone's worst nightmare, and almost everyone would like to avoid them as far as possible. Trigger points are knots, either shallow or deep, that form in muscles. There are many diverse knots, and each individual develops a different sensitivity to pain. Trigger point massage is often recommended for the removal or reduction of these troublesome knots.