Since trigger point therapy was developed by President John F. Kennedy’s rheumatologist, Dr. Jane Travell, thousands of people have been helped with this non-invasive, drug-free therapy. Our team at Life Wellness Center in Santa Fe and Las Vegas, NM would like to look at what you need to know about trigger point therapy.

What is a Trigger Point?

Muscles can have tight areas called trigger points or myofascial trigger points. When the muscles are tight, they not only hurt, but they are not as flexible as they should be. This makes that area of the body more difficult to move. Also, trigger points do not have good circulation. Good blood flow is needed to bring healing oxygen and natural painkillers to the area.

How Trigger Point Therapy Works

The chiropractor first locates the trigger points. The trigger point is pressed and released. This is like a quick massage for the muscle. It helps the muscle return to a normal state.

Conditions Treated by Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is used for several chronic pain conditions, such as:

• Back pain, including herniated disc pain
• Shoulder pain
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Headaches and migraines
• Sciatica
• Muscle strains
• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Plantar fasciitis

What Trigger Point Therapy Feels Like

Trigger point therapy feels different for each person and for each trigger point that is worked on. You may feel nothing. You may feel some pain when the trigger point is compressed. When your body sends painkillers to the trigger point, you may end up feeling sleepy. Your muscles may also be sore after the treatment because they have just been through a workout. Use a hot pack or compress to ease the soreness.

After the Session

The chiropractor will usually give you exercises to do to keep your muscles from knotting back up. Suggestions will be made to improve your posture and how you sleep, which are big factors in treating any kind of chronic pain.

Contact Our Chiropractors at Life Wellness Center

If you have questions about how trigger point therapy can benefit you and live in the Santa Fe or Las Vegas, NM areas, contact Life Wellness Center to schedule an appointment with Dr. Perea or Dr. Campos. Call our team today at (505) 982-6886 to learn more.