What is a trigger point?

A trigger point is a condition that occurs within a muscle when a small group of fibers don't return to a relaxed state after a contraction. The fiber remains contracted, which causes a restriction in the flow of blood to that particular area. Due to this restriction, toxins accumulate in the immediate area. The increase of toxins becomes so severe that they begin to calcify. It is this calcification that forms a trigger point. The trigger point may press on a nerve which causes local pain or referred pain.

Referred pain is a phenomenon that causes this pain to travel, or refer, to a different area of the body. An example of referred pain is a trigger point in the neck, referring pain to the head, causing a headache. By treating the trigger point with massage therapy, you can remove the buildup of toxins, thereby eliminating the headache. And you accomplished this without having to use medications, which can sometimes cause side effects. This scenario is the same for trigger points in all parts of the body.

The pain associated with multiple trigger points in any one muscle, or groups of muscles, restricts the range of motion of the joint that is associated with those muscles. Trigger points present in 11 of 18 pre-determined muscles will bring a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia by a physician.