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Introduction to Trigger Points:
Trigger points are tight knots of muscle fibers that can be felt under the skin. They can cause pain, stiffness, and muscle tension, making it difficult to move or even perform daily activities. These trigger points can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, overuse of a muscle, or injury. In this blog, we will explore trigger points in more detail and discuss how a sports chiropractor can help relieve these pressure points.
What are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are small, irritable knots of muscle fibers that develop when a muscle is overused or injured. These knots can cause pain, stiffness, and muscle tension in the surrounding areas, and they can even refer pain to other parts of the body. For example, a trigger point in the shoulder can cause pain in the arm, elbow, or wrist.
What do Trigger Points Feel Like?
Trigger points can feel like small, hard knots or BB's under the skin. They can either be actively creating pain at rest (an "active trigger point") or only cause pain when they are pressed upon with your fingers (a "latent trigger point). They can even radiate pain to other locations of the body in a predictable pattern (called a "referral pattern"). This may even be the cause of some headches - because of active radiation from a trigger point in the neck and base of the skull whose referral pattern is to the top, side, or even inside the head.
Why Do They Develop? Trigger points can develop for a number of different reasons, including overuse, stress, repetitive strain, injury, and some even theorize from nerve root dysfunction. At the end of the day, they are small, histochemical "staples" that prevent muscle elongation. This can serve as a protective mechanism, keeping the muscle in a shortened state and preventing excessive joint range of motion. It can also help you to maintain a posture that you may frequently find yourself in, such as prolonged sitting at work or standing.
The Role of a Sports Chiropractor in Treating Trigger Points:
A sports chiropractor is a specialist in musculoskeletal conditions, including trigger points. They can use various techniques, such as myofascial release combined with a chiropractic adjustment, to relieve the pain and stiffness caused by trigger points. By gently manipulating the affected area, a sports chiropractor can release the tension in the muscle fibers, reducing pain and restoring mobility. A quality sports chiropractor will additionally conduct a more in-depth assessment to understand why these trigger points developed in the first place, such as posture, stress, functional muscle imbalances, or injury - then address those functional limitations in addition to the local myofascial release and chiropractic adjustment near me.
After a chiropractic adjustment, there is frequently an immediate reflexive reduction in muscle tension and pain in the joints surrounding the muscles, which affects the trigger points and their contractility.
Conclusion: In conclusion, trigger points are small, irritable knots of muscle fibers that can cause pain, stiffness, and muscle tension. A sports chiropractor can help relieve these pressure points through chiropractic adjustment, a gentle, manual technique that releases the tension in the muscle fibers and restores mobility. If you are experiencing pain or stiffness due to trigger points, consider visiting a sports chiropractor for an evaluation and treatment plan.