We’ve all felt them—those stubborn, tender “knots” in our shoulders or neck that seem to radiate pain to places they have no business being. In the clinical world, these are known as Myofascial Trigger Points.
While they might feel like simple muscle tension, trigger points are complex physiological phenomena that can significantly disrupt your quality of life. Understanding how they work is the first step toward effective relief.
What Exactly is a Trigger Point?
A trigger point is a hyperirritable spot within a taut band of muscle fibers. Think of it as a small patch of muscle that has switched “on” and refuses to switch “off.”
When these fibers stay contracted, they compress nearby capillaries, leading to a local energy crisis. This creates a feedback loop: the lack of blood flow prevents the muscle from getting the oxygen it needs to relax, which keeps the knot locked in place.
The pain influence typically manifests in two ways:
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Local Pain: Tenderness directly over the knot.
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Referred Pain: Pain that travels. For example, a trigger point in your upper trapezius (shoulder) is a frequent culprit for tension headaches behind the eye.
Treating trigger points effectively requires more than just a quick massage. A combined approach using Dry Needling and Comprehensive Physiotherapy addresses both the symptom and the source.
1. Dry Needling: The “Reset” Button
Dry needling involves inserting a fine, sterile needle directly into the trigger point. Unlike acupuncture, which focuses on energy meridians, dry needling is based on Western neuroanatomy.
The goal is to elicit a Local Twitch Response (LTR). This involuntary contraction is a sign that the needle has hit the mark. This process:
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Mechanically disrupts the dysfunctional “knot.”
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Increases local blood flow (re-oxygenating the tissue).
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Triggers a biochemical release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
2. Physiotherapy: The Long-Term Solution
If dry needling provides the “reset,” physiotherapy provides the “reprogramming.” Without correcting the underlying movement patterns, those knots will eventually return.
Physiotherapy focuses on:
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Stretching & Mobility: Lengthening the tissues that were previously shortened by trigger points.
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Strengthening: Addressing the muscle weaknesses that caused the primary muscle to overwork and “knot up” in the first place.
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Ergonomics: Adjusting how you sit, stand, and move during the day.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living
You don’t have to manage your pain alone. At Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture, we are dedicated to helping you move better and feel better, naturally.
