4/25/07

7. THE TRIGGER POINT WORK

A trigger point is an area of a muscle (about 50 cells) that may refer pain sensations to other parts of the body. Trigger Point Therapy applies manual pressure, or CO2 injections (injections not available), to these points. With the proper pressure, duration and location, immediate release of tension and improved muscular functioning may occur. This work is incorporated into other styles of massage therapy such Swedish and Sports Massage.

Sustained pressure is applied to areas of the body that due to stress or injury refer pain or tingling elsewhere in the body. This sustained pressure at specific points, along with proper breathing, relieves pain and enhances circulation in the affected area(s). This technique is related to accupressure.