massage therapy in Gig Harbor WA

Trigger points are focal areas of spasms or raised knots along the band of muscles. These are most common to occur in the trapezoid-shaped muscle of the upper back and shoulder region but can occur along any area of the body where muscles or fascia are present.

There are two types of trigger points:

1. Latent trigger points: these are trigger points that hurt only when there is some sort of pressure applied to the raised knots. These can transform into active trigger points with muscle overload, sickness, fatigue, or stress. While these aren’t super painful normally, they can cause muscle weakness and restrictions in movement.
2. Active trigger points: these are trigger points that hurt with movement and when someone applied pressure on them, so these are especially annoying.

While pain in the area is usually the only symptom of trigger points, there can also be jaw pain, ringing in the ears, tension headaches, too.

Causes of trigger points can be:

• Stress and tension
• Poor posture
• Prolonged bed rest or sitting
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Heavy lifting
• Repeated motions
• Muscle clenching and tensing due to emotional strain
• Traumatic injuries
• Diet with lack of proper vitamins
• Pre-existing joint and muscle problems
• Less sleep or sleep changes

Trigger points can be managed with pain medication, muscle relaxants, trigger point injections, and prescription medications, and treated with proper rest, a healthy diet, heat or ice applications, at-home treatments.

Chronic trigger points in Gig Harbor are ones that have been building up and causing pain for a long time. Chronic trigger points can’t be dissolved easily and need a more professional approach.

But, not a lot of people are suitable for or prefer muscle relaxants, medications, or injections due to the possible side effects, invasive nature, and addictive properties.

Massage therapy involves applying pressure on the area using either the hands of the massage therapist or a device to work out the knots from the back and restore the length of the sarcomere.

Different types of massage therapy can be used depending upon various factors, like the severity of the pain, area of affliction, health conditions of the patient, etc.

Chronic trigger point massages can be slightly painful as the pressure is applied on the knots but it is temporary, there might be soreness for the rest of the day. If it is too much, do let your massage therapist know so they can reduce the pressure.

Benefits of massage therapy include:

• Non-invasive
• Highly and immediately effective pain relief
• Suitable for people of all ages and most health conditions
• No side effects, infections, or addictions
• Relaxing and holistic
• Increases mobility, circulation and flexibility
• Raises immunity and circulation
• Increased strength and resistance to reduce future knots
• Enhanced speed and stamina
• Boost collagen productions
• Strengthen bone tissue
• Promote lymphatic drainage
• Increase production of hormones and neurotransmitters that help repair and regenerate body cells
• Fewer headaches
• Better posture
• Reduced soreness post-workout
• Reduced muscle spasms

Massage therapy has a lot of physical and mental benefits for a lot of different health issues, including chronic trigger points.

So, if you have any sort of discomfort or pain, try getting massage therapy, it might change your life.

Happy healing!