Triggerpoint massage

Trigger point (TP) or myofascial pain syndrome (myo = muscle, fascia = connective tissue around muscles, tendons and ligaments) starts in a muscle. It is a part of the muscle in spasm, which includes the changes in the muscle electrical activities (contraction).

It is important to understand that a TP is not a cause but a symptom. You can get rid of the pain by a deep massage of a certain TP but not the cause of the pain. A TP is the hard part in the muscle tissue where local blood circulation is decreased so there is insufficient nutrient (oxygen) supply to cells. For this reason there is an inflammatory reaction in the TP, which is often very painful. The pain may spread radially (radial pain) around the TP or an irritated nerve can transmit the pain (referential pain).

Due to the interconnection of impulses in the neural network, the motoric center can create a false peripheral image, which causes contractions of more muscles than it is necessary. Therefore, it is always necessary to continue with the relaxation of other muscles in the referential pain area.