Trigger point therapy is a treatment method to address muscle knots or micro-contractions, also known as trigger points. By applying targeted pressure to these painful points, the muscle fiber relaxes, improving blood circulation and allowing waste products to be removed. The treatment can be performed manually by a therapist.
How does it work?
- Trigger points: These are small, local contractions in muscle fibers, also called muscle knots, which can lead to pain and stiffness.
- Cause: When muscles remain under tension for a long time, the muscle fibers can no longer fully relax, causing blood circulation to stagnate.
- Symptoms: In addition to pain, trigger points can refer pain to other parts of the body and cause stiffness and other complaints.
Treatment
- Manual pressure: A therapist applies pressure to the trigger point, for example with the thumb, fingertip or elbow, to relieve the contraction.
- Dry Needling: A thin needle is used to prick the muscle knot, which brings about immediate relaxation.
- Self-treatment: Sometimes you can treat trigger points yourself using a foam roller, massage stick or tennis ball by locating the painful spot and applying pressure to it.
- Additional advice: Patients often receive home exercises and are advised to keep the treated muscles warm to promote recovery.
George Health Lab Wassenaar
Would you like to experience for yourself how effective trigger point therapy can be? Feel free to contact George HealthLab for an appointment. There is good and free parking available, and many clients from the surrounding area – including Leiden, Noordwijk, Katwijk, Oegstgeest, Voorschoten and The Hague – have already gone before you and benefited from our treatments.