Trigger point therapy is a physical treatment technique targeting the musculoskeletal system, primarily used to alleviate chronic pain and muscle tightness caused by trigger points. Trigger points are tender nodules formed by excessive contraction or injury within muscles, often causing local or referred pain. This therapy employs specific pressure, stretching, or injection techniques to effectively release abnormal muscle contractions and restore normal tissue function.
The treatment aims not only to relieve acute pain but also to improve joint mobility limitations resulting from long-term muscle tension. Clinically, it is commonly used for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain, especially in cases where traditional pain medications are ineffective, providing a non-pharmacological alternative.
Trigger point therapy mainly divides into physical pressure methods and invasive injection methods. The physical pressure method involves the therapist applying sustained pressure with fingers or specialized tools directly on the trigger points, promoting local blood circulation through mechanical stimulation and blocking pain signal transmission. The injection method involves injecting local anesthetics or steroids into the trigger points to directly eliminate inflammation and muscle spasms.
The mechanisms include three aspects: first, releasing the contracted state of muscle nodules; second, restoring normal neuromuscular pathways; and third, promoting the metabolism of waste products. Recent studies indicate that treatment can induce the secretion of endogenous pain-relieving substances, resulting in medium- to long-term pain regulation effects.
The main indications include:
This therapy is especially suitable for patients who respond poorly to medication, need to avoid long-term use of painkillers, or require an integrated treatment plan combined with rehabilitation exercises.
Physical pressure therapy is usually performed 2-3 times per week, targeting 1-3 main trigger points per session, with sustained pressure on each point for 30-90 seconds. The total course of treatment is adjusted based on patient response, typically 4-8 sessions. Injection therapy targets 1-5 trigger points per session, using 1-2cc of local anesthetic, and can be repeated every 4-6 weeks.
The therapist will perform palpation to locate trigger points and adjust the force based on muscle tension. Patients are advised to perform active stretching exercises post-treatment to consolidate effects. All invasive treatments must be performed by licensed physical therapists or physicians.
Main benefits include:
Compared to medication, this therapy offers the following advantages:
Common side effects of physical therapy include:
Risks associated with injection therapy include:
Contraindications include:
Pre-treatment considerations:
This therapy can be combined with medication treatments, but attention should be paid to:
Contraindicated combinations include:
Clinical studies show that 85% of patients experience more than 50% reduction in pain after 4-6 treatments. A 2019 systematic review indicated that combined pressure and injection therapies achieved 30-40% higher pain relief compared to single therapies. Effectiveness for shoulder pain caused by cervical spondylosis reaches 78%, and 65% of patients with lumbar trigger points report pain improvement.
However, individual responses vary, and the effect on purely neurological or joint structural pain is limited. A detailed musculoskeletal assessment is recommended before treatment to confirm trigger points as the primary cause.
Alternative options include:
When choosing alternatives, note:
Before treatment, it is recommended to inform the doctor of your current health status and medications, especially if you have blood disorders or coagulation abnormalities. Avoid alcohol or anticoagulants on the day of treatment, and wear loose clothing for easy exposure of the treatment area. The doctor may perform a myofascial examination to locate trigger points.
How can muscle soreness after treatment be alleviated?Some patients may experience short-term muscle soreness after treatment, which can be relieved with ice packs for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times daily. Avoid vigorous exercise immediately afterward, and do not apply heat or massage the treated area within 24 hours. If pain persists beyond 48 hours, seek evaluation promptly.
Can trigger point therapy be combined with other therapies?Yes, it can be combined with physical therapy, acupuncture, or medication to enhance effects. A treatment plan should be developed by a physician. For example, combining therapy with heat application or low-intensity stretching can promote muscle relaxation and prolong benefits. Do not self-mix medications or apply forceful pressure on the area.
How should the frequency and number of treatments be arranged?Initial treatments are usually recommended once or twice weekly, with a course lasting 4-6 weeks. Severe or chronic cases may require more sessions. The physician will adjust the frequency based on pain severity, trigger point count, and recovery speed. Overly short intervals may cause tissue damage, so follow medical advice strictly.
What precautions should be taken in daily life after treatment?Avoid prolonged sitting or maintaining fixed postures for more than 30 minutes. Perform light shoulder and neck movements hourly. Use a cervical pillow during sleep to maintain spinal neutrality and avoid side sleeping that compresses muscles. For two weeks post-treatment, avoid lifting heavy objects or overusing muscles related to the treated area.
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