What Is a Trigger Point?
A trigger point is a tight, sensitive spot within a muscle that may cause local pain or refer discomfort to another area. Pressure on the spot can reveal increased muscle tension. Trigger points may develop after overuse, strain, poor posture, or prolonged muscle stress, and massage may address the surrounding tissue.
Quick Facts About Trigger Point
Category
Muscle and soft tissue condition
Used for
Finding areas of muscle tension
Common confusion
Often confused with muscle spasms
Also called
Muscle knot, Myofascial trigger point
Often discussed with
Deep Tissue Massage, Therapeutic Massage
Key Takeaways About Trigger Point
- A trigger point sits within tense muscle tissue.
- Pain may appear away from the tender spot.
- A trigger point isn't the same as a muscle spasm.
How Trigger Point Works
A trigger point forms when a small area of muscle stays tight and becomes sensitive. Pressure may produce pain at the spot or send discomfort into a nearby region. The referred pain pattern can help a trained provider identify the involved muscle.
Related glossary terms: Muscle Spasm, Myofascial Release, Soft Tissue Mobilization.
During Deep Tissue Massage, a provider checks how the tissue feels and how the area responds to steady pressure. The work may focus on the tender spot and the surrounding muscle. The goal is to reduce excess tension and support easier movement.
Trigger Point And Muscle Spasm
A trigger point is a focused area of tenderness within muscle tissue. A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary tightening that can affect a larger section of muscle. These terms describe different findings, though they can occur together.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Decatur team
When we provide Deep Tissue Massage, we check for small areas of unusual tension and tenderness. We compare the spot with nearby tissue and note whether pressure changes the person's reported discomfort. Our team also considers posture, recent activity, and the pattern of symptoms before choosing where to work.
Trigger Point in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person who spends much of the day at a desk may develop a tender spot in the upper back. During Deep Tissue Massage, the provider may work around that area and check whether pressure refers discomfort toward the shoulder.
Related Services
Related Terms
Muscle Spasm
A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary tightening of muscle tissue that may feel hard, painful…
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is a hands-on soft-tissue method that applies steady pressure and slow strokes to areas…
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft Tissue Mobilization is a hands-on method that applies focused pressure and movement to muscles, tendons…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Decatur
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