Understanding and Managing Myofascial Trigger Points
What are Trigger Points (TrPs)?
Trigger points have garnered significant attention as a serious cause of soft-tissue pain, primarily due to the pioneering work of Janet Travell, MD, and her colleagues. Travell defined a myofascial trigger point as “a hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band. The spot is painful on compression and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, referred tenderness, motor dysfunction, and autonomic phenomena.”
Causes and Characteristics of Trigger Points:
Medical researchers still do not fully understand trigger points, but evolving theories suggest they result from dysfunctional activity at the motor end plates in the muscle. Factors contributing to the development of trigger points include:
- Lack of exercise
- Muscle overload
- Poor posture
- Metabolic issues
- Sleep disturbances
- Acute trauma or repetitive micro-trauma
Trigger points can be thought of as knots in a rope; with each knot, the rope shortens. Similarly, when muscles form knots, they become shorter, pulling on their attachment sites such as ligaments, tendons, or bones, causing local or referred pain. This often accompanies chronic musculoskeletal disorders..
Identifying myofascial trigger points and their characteristic referral patterns is crucial for any treatment. Numerous charts and maps of myofascial trigger point pain referral patterns are helpful references. However, these diagrams should be used as guides rather than infallible maps, as pain referral patterns can differ between individuals.
Trigger points can compress nerves or arteries, leading to numbness, tingling, sciatica, headaches, and slow healing due to restricted blood flow. Pain types can vary, including sharp, dull, aching, throbbing, and burning.
Common Symptoms and Effects:
- Continuous regional pain
- Reduced range of motion in affected muscles
- Tension headaches
- Tinnitus
- Temporomandibular joint pain
- Limited leg mobility
- Lower back pain
Palpation of hypersensitive muscle fibers can reveal trigger points, characterized by harder-than-normal consistency. Pressing the trigger point elicits pain, may cause radiating pain, and induces a local twitch response.
Managing Trigger Points with Electro Stimulation:
Precision Application:
Using TENS or microcurrent devices on affected trigger point areas can effectively address the root causes of discomfort. These devices generate electrical impulses that have several pain-relieving mechanisms:
- Stimulate Endorphin Release: These impulses stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which help reduce pain perception.
- Enhance Blood Circulation: The electrical stimulation improves blood flow to the tight fascial areas, increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products.
- Break Up Adhesions and Knots: By breaking up adhesions and knots within the fascia, these devices alleviate external pressure on trigger points.
Improved Circulation:
Improved blood circulation reduces inflammation and diminishes pain sensations. Using a pen probe tip to target trigger points, applying controlled pressure while emitting energy deep into the trigger point, provides a direct massage effect, further enhancing relief.
Pen Probe Application:
Pen probes with a small surface area allow for precise and localized treatment, concentrating electrical impulses on specific points of pain or tightness. This targeted approach can result in effective pain relief and enhanced comfort for individuals with trigger point issues.
Summary:
When used correctly with appropriate accessories and techniques, TENS and microcurrent devices can effectively alleviate pain and discomfort associated with myofascial trigger points. They target underlying causes, including muscle tension, restricted blood flow, and adhesions, promoting overall well-being and pain relief for those dealing with trigger point-related issues.
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