In Part 1 and 2, we touched on the hot-button topics ‘Fascia’ and “myofascial release,” including what they are and what they affect. In Part 3, we’ll go over how to treat fascial pain and dysfunction.

Chances are, you’ve probably heard about trigger points, but usually under the catchall phrase “knotted muscles.” What trigger points actually means is a cluster of muscles that have either gone into spasm in a heavily concentrated area or have become bound by the muscles tissue itself.

Conditions that Trigger Point Therapy Can Help Treat

Because the fascia tissue network is so widespread, a wide range of conditions can benefit from trigger point therapy:

  • Headaches
  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder pain and other range-of-motion issues
  • Sciatica
  • Arthritis
  • Carpal tunnel and other repetitive work injuries
  • Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder

What is Trigger Point Therapy?

Because fascia is not an elastic tissue like muscle and tendons, the amount of deformation when a stretch is applied is minimal. The adhesions that occur between fascia and the underlying tissues, or between the fascial fibers themselves, are the primary cause of dysfunction.

Physical therapy plays an important part in locating, understanding and treating trigger points, with the goal of treatment to target and address these adhesions.

Fascial Pain and Trigger Point Therapy Treatments

Myofascial Release: Myofascial Release (MFR) is a manual technique that requires use of the hands to detect areas of fascial adhesion. When these areas are detected, a light pressure is applied in order to stretch the tissue. Because fascia is viscoelastic, minimal pressure over an extended period of time is effective to encourage stretch and relief of tension.

Functional Dry Needling/Therapeutic Dry Needling: Trigger point dry needling is a technique that utilizes thin solid filament needles. These needles are inserted into a taut band, called an active trigger point, causing increased blood flow and a release of several chemical responses that decrease pain and return the tissue to a functional state. In conjunction with other therapeutic treatments, this technique can be applied to many musculoskeletal and myofascial pathologies.

Graston Technique: Graston is an instrument-assisted manual therapy that utilizes similar principles of MFR. This technique involves combing over the fascia with a tool in order to identify areas of restriction or adhesion. Once these areas are identified, the therapist uses the tools to break up these adhesions using a cross-frictional pattern. Learn more at www.grastontechnique.com.

Class IV Laser (Light Force Lite Cure, Avicenna): A high-powered therapeutic laser with the ability to “bio-stimulate” tissue growth and repair. It is useful with treatment for pain, inflammation and scar tissue formation.

What is a Trigger Point Therapy Session Usually Like?

Your physical therapist will conduct an initial movement assessment to determine where the pain, discomfort, and range-of-motion limitations exist.

Future therapy sessions will focus on a two-part treatment plan determined by you and your therapist. Your treatment plan might include any of the treatments listed above, such as massaging the trigger point area or areas, as well as any strength-building exercises your therapist recommends.

SetPT’s physical therapists have extensive training in trigger point dry needling and can work with you to help restore your muscle and joints’ natural movement. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an initial movement assessment, contact your local SetPT location today.