What To Do With Trigger Points?

Trigger points can be a real problem.

Not only are they painful, but trigger points also decrease range of motion, weaken the muscles, and produce excessive muscle contraction. They are formed when the process of muscle contraction and release is disrupted.  Persistent muscle contraction, strain, or overuse causes the muscle band to contract too tightly, increasing metabolic demand and squeezing off the supply of blood and oxygen to the area.  This consequently prevents the muscle from releasing.

This the the bad news: trigger points can severely impact athletic performance and quality of life.  The good news? Acupuncture can help!

Think of a trigger point like a knot in a rubber band.  The rubber band is your muscle and the knot is the trigger point. Stretching the rubber band will increase movement, but it will not release the knot.  To restore full range of motion, you must first unwind the knot.

A muscle with a trigger point is too painful to stretch fully, and forcing a stretch will most likely result in muscle strain.

Acupuncture is an effective way to release a trigger point.
The acupuncture needle provides a disruption to the trigger point, stopping the cycle of contraction causing a lack of circulation, and therefore, preventing release.  It can reach the depth of a trigger point without irritating the hyper sensitive tissue around it.  Restored to its full length after being released with acupuncture, the muscle recovers its normal blood supply and metabolism and function.

And its usually immediate.  A needle inserted into a trigger point will elicit a twitch followed by reduced muscular tension and increased range of motion. 

Tips to prevent trigger points from forming:

• Increase muscle loads slowly and make sure you have adequate recovery between workouts.
• Maintain range of motion and muscle balance by making sure you are equally strengthening and lengthening opposite muscle groups.
• Break up adhesions by consistently using a lacrosse ball, foam roller, or even your fingers to apply pressure to a tight muscle band and taking it through its full range of motion. 
• Regular acupuncture treatments, including cupping, guasha, or e-stim, will help to keep muscles supple and prevent injury.
  

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