Understanding Trigger Point Therapy and How It May Help Relieve Pain
Muscle related pain often does not originate from where discomfort is felt. Many people experience tight, knotted areas within muscle tissue that can refer pain to other parts of the body. Trigger point therapy, including
dry needling, is one approach that may help address these sensitive areas and support pain relief as part of a comprehensive chiropractic care plan.
What Are Trigger Points
Trigger points are localized areas of muscle tightness that may feel like knots or bands beneath the skin. These areas can become sensitive to touch and may contribute to pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion. Trigger points can develop due to repetitive movement, poor posture, injury, stress, or prolonged muscle tension.
When a trigger point is active, it may cause pain at the site itself or refer to pain elsewhere. For example, a trigger point in the neck or shoulder may contribute to headaches or arm discomfort.
What Is Trigger Point Therapy and Dry Needling
Trigger point therapy and dry needling involve inserting a thin needle into specific trigger points within the muscle. The goal of this approach is to stimulate the affected area in a controlled way. This stimulation may help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and encourage the muscle to relax.
Dry needling differs from other needle based therapies in that it targets muscular trigger points rather than energy pathways. The technique is used to address neuromuscular dysfunction and may be incorporated into a broader treatment plan depending on individual needs.
What to Expect During an Appointment
After an initial consultation and evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is developed. During a trigger point therapy session, thin needles are inserted into the trigger points believed to be contributing to pain or dysfunction. The sensation experienced during treatment varies. Some people report mild discomfort, while others feel a brief ache or muscle twitch.
Following treatment, it is common to experience soreness or aching in the treated area for up to 24 hours as the body responds. Mild bleeding or bruising may occur in some cases. These effects are generally temporary and considered low risk for most individuals.
Conditions That May Be Addressed
Trigger point therapy and dry needling may be used to help alleviate pain and adhesions associated with a range of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. As part of a comprehensive care approach, this therapy may be considered for individuals experiencing:
- Disc related issues
- Tendonitis
- Whiplash injuries
- Spinal conditions
- Muscle cramping
- Migraines
- TMJ or TMD related discomfort
- Neuralgia
- Joint related pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
It is important to note that response to treatment can vary. Trigger point therapy may be used alongside other chiropractic services to address underlying causes and support functional improvement.
How Trigger Point Therapy Fits Into Chiropractic Care
Trigger point therapy is often most effective when combined with other treatments such as chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercise, and posture education. Addressing both joint alignment and muscular tension allows care to focus on the full musculoskeletal system rather than isolated symptoms.
By reducing muscle tension, trigger point therapy may help improve movement patterns and support longer lasting results from other forms of care.
Is Trigger Point Therapy Right for You
Not every individual is a candidate for dry needling or trigger point therapy. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether this approach aligns with a person’s condition, medical history, and comfort level. Open communication with a provider is essential to ensure that care decisions are appropriate and informed.
A Personalized Approach to Pain Management
Pain is complex and rarely has a single cause. Trigger point therapy offers one potential tool for addressing muscular contributions to discomfort. When used thoughtfully and as part of a tailored treatment plan, it may help individuals move more comfortably and improve daily function.
At Back in Motion Chiropractic, we focus on understanding each patient’s unique needs and developing care plans that address both symptoms and contributing factors. Trigger point therapy may be one option we use to help support pain relief and overall musculoskeletal health.
