How are trigger points treated?

Filter 1 answers by contributor:

  • PRACTITIONER
  • GROUP
  • AUTHOR
  • TV PERSONALITY
  • ALL
  1. National Athletic Trainers’ Association
     
    National Athletic Trainers’ Association answered:

    Trigger points -- focal, hyper-irritable areas in muscle and connective tissue that are caused by muscle overload or overuse -- are usually treated with a variety of massage techniques that may include ice and/or heat. Usually the massage includes pressure that gets progressively more intense as the tension in the muscle lessens. Physical therapists may also treat them with hot packs, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation.

    (This answer provided for NATA by Sarah E. Watson, MS, ATC, PES.)

    Trigger points -- focal, hyper-irritable areas in muscle and connective tissue that are caused by muscle overload or overuse -- are usually treated with a variety of massage techniques that may include ice and/or heat. Usually the massage includes... More