Myofascial Therapy

What and where are trigger points?

You probably know what a knot feels like: an area that feels uncomfortable, stiff, dense, and maybe even tender. “Knots” are synonymous with trigger points, although they may not always be overtly obvious or noticeable.

At FYZICAL, we understand trigger points can happen anywhere in the body and are especially common in the shoulders, back, and hips. The connective tissue within these areas tend to hold onto increased tension and stiffness, often because of stress, overuse, or injury. Muscle fibers can tense up in spasms, or there can be a decrease in oxygenated blood or lymphatic flow to certain areas, and these things contribute to localized stiffness and discomfort.

Interestingly, trigger point pain can often be referred from other parts of the body. A buildup of scar tissue or a joint misalignment, for instance, may lead to pain or spasm in a nearby muscle. Consulting with a physical therapist is incredibly beneficial if you’re struggling with trigger point pain. Using a hands-on approach, our physical therapists do more than just treat your symptoms; they evaluate and identifying the underlying source of your problem to ensure that the painful symptoms you’re experiencing don’t return.

What conditions may benefit from myofascial release?

Fascial tissue is located throughout your body, which means adhesions and trigger points can occur throughout your body as well. This can affect a wide number of physiological systems and structures. Our physical therapy team utilizes myofascial release as an effective treatment for numerous conditions, including:

• Sciatica
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Medial and lateral epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow, respectively)
• Whiplash
• Osteoarthritis
• Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
• Headaches and migraines
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder