What are trigger points and why do they cause chronic pain?
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are highly sensitive, thickened points within a muscle fiber that occur when a muscle is overworked, injured, or under prolonged stress. They are localized zones of spasm that interfere with normal muscle function.
When active, trigger points can cause:
- Muscle pain
- restriction of movement
- muscle weakness
- Feeling of stiffness
- circulatory disorder
- irritation of the nervous system
An active trigger point causes muscle spasm and shortening, thereby disrupting the biomechanics of movement.
What is the cause of chronic pain?
When trigger points remain active for a long period of time, a vicious circle develops:
pain → spasm → even more pain
In chronic pain, trigger points become constantly active, and the nervous system forms a so-called “nerve pathway” that further intensifies the sensation of pain. The body then reacts to even minimal stimulus as if the threat is great.
Stress – emotional or physical – can also activate or maintain trigger points.
Types of trigger points
1 . Matrix trigger points
Matrix (primary) trigger points occur when a muscle is damaged or severely overloaded for the first time. They often cause pain that spreads to other regions of the body (so-called reference pain).
For example:
- Neck pain can come from the scapular region
- Pain in the head can originate from the neck muscles
2. Satellite trigger points
Satellite trigger points are formed as a result of active matrix points. They are not painful in themselves to direct pressure, but they are activated due to imbalance and cause additional shortening of the muscles.
How do you remove trigger points?
Myotherapy according to the Bonnie Pruden method
Myotherapy is a technique developed in 1976 based on the deactivation of trigger points by ischemic pressure.
The objectives of the method are:
- relaxation of muscle spasm
- improving circulation
- pain reduction
- Restoring the normal length of the muscles
Bonnie Pruden has developed a body map that helps to pinpoint trigger points for specific regions.
What does the treatment look like?
- The therapist locates the trigger point with gentle pressure.
- Apply targeted pressure with your finger, elbow or knee.
- The pressure lasts 5–7 seconds.
- The intensity of pain is monitored on a subjective scale from 1 to 10.
The optimal intensity is 6–7 on the pain scale – strong enough to activate the relaxation mechanism, but not to induce a protective contraction.
After deactivating the trigger point, the following is done:
- Passive stretching
- Corrective exercises
- Educating the client
This phase is crucial because without proper exercise, there is a risk that the trigger points will be reactivated.
Why is a combination of therapy and exercise crucial?
Simply eliminating the pain is not enough.
If the cause is not addressed (poor posture, imbalance, weakness of stabilizers, chronic stress), the trigger points will form again.
That’s why at the StretchWell Center we combine:
- myotherapy
- Assisted stretching
- Mobility training
- Corrective exercises
The goal is not just to eliminate pain, but to provide long-term functionality.
When do you need to get treatment?
If you’ve got:
- chronic pain in the neck or back
- Pain that “walks” to other regions
- A feeling of constant tension
- Limited range of motion
- pain that returns for no clear reason
It’s very possible that trigger points are part of the problem.
Trigger Point Therapy
At StretchWell centers, we provide individual treatments aimed at:
- Deactivation of trigger points
- reduction of spasm
- Improving mobility
- long-term pain solution
Appointments can be made by phone or online.
FAQ
Is the treatment of trigger points painful?
The treatment may cause short-term discomfort, but the intensity is adjusted to the client.
How many treatments are needed?
It depends on the duration of the problem and the condition of the muscles. Chronic problems often require multiple sessions with corrective exercises.
Can the trigger points be restored?
Yes, as long as the causes such as posture, stress and muscle imbalance are not corrected.
