Trigger Points: How Physical Therapy Soothes the Pain

Do you suffer from nagging pain and feel like there are knots in your muscles? Does the pain interfere with your ability to lift, work on a computer or even sleep restfully? Unfortunately, you have plenty of company. But there is a solution to these problems!

In all these situations, your pain could be coming from a trigger point which is something physical therapy is uniquely qualified to help. 

Understanding Trigger Points and the Problems They Cause

First, let’s find out what a trigger point is. A trigger point is a tight, irritated knot in a muscle. The pain coming from a trigger point could be right where the knot is located, or it can actually refer to another body region. 

For example, pain in the upper trapezius can actually refer pain along the side of the head. Therefore, even though you may be having pain along the side of your head, similar to a tension headache, you could actually have the pain being referred from a knot in your upper trapezius. That’s just one type of trigger point and referral pattern. There are many others. 

Physical Therapists Are Trained to Help With Trigger Points

A physical therapist can help you determine whether or not the pain you’re experiencing could be coming from a trigger point. 

Signs that you may have a trigger point include:

• Limited range of motion
• Tension
• Headaches
• Tightness
• Pain that interferes with your day-to-day activities
• A jump sign (when the area is compressed, you actually jump or react because the area is so tender)

Why Resolving Trigger Points Is So Important

When you have a trigger point, your muscles won’t function well. The good news is that even though these trigger points are painful and interfere with your daily activities, physical therapy can help. 

Physical therapists may use manual therapy to reduce pain and tightness. They can also use range of motion exercises to restore full motion of a body region. They may use strengthening to help restore muscle balance and identify areas that are weak. 

They will also often use patient education to show patients how to avoid the causes of these problems. For example, certain postures are associated with the formation of trigger points. Repetitive movements can be another trigger for trigger points to form. 

Don’t Stay in Pain—Get Help Now! 

If you’re suffering from nagging pain that just isn’t going away, contact our office for a free consultation. We’d be happy to help you get out of pain and into the activities you love! 

Call us now at (616) 537-2837.

About Katie

Katie received her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Cedarville University before continuing on to graduate from the University of Michigan-Flint with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2018. She has practiced in outpatient orthopedics since graduation and has completed continuing education courses in manual therapy techniques, treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction, vestibular rehabilitation, and the management of many musculoskeletal conditions. Her focus for treatment is on returning her patients to the activities they love. Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, family, and friends. She also likes to camp, hike, travel, and play volleyball.