Galt Massage Therapy

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Trigger points are commonly known as knots in muscles.  They are distinct, hyper-irritable spots within a tight band of muscle which, when activated (poked or overstretched) cause pain in their location as well as in specific referral areas.  This means that a trigger point in your shoulder can give you a headache, or one in your neck can send pain to your chest, shoulder blade and arm. 

 

Because of the tight area in the affected muscle, trigger points decrease the overall range of motion and also decrease the local circulation.  This decrease in circulation causes an accumulation of metabolic wastes in the tissue because they aren’t being properly flushed away, as well as a decreased supply of nutrients.  This imbalance causes an irritation of the local nerves which causes pain.  It also results in tissue of less than optimal health.

 

Trigger points are very common and occur in muscles that have been traumatized by:

 

In treatment, the muscle is warmed up with general massage techniques and/or applied heat, and then the trigger point is compressed and manipulated until it releases.  This can be an uncomfortable experience but the relief felt post-treatment is worth it in the view of many clients.