What are Trigger Points?
Trigger Points are specific points on the muscle that are hypersensitive to pressure and are responsible for chronic pain. Sometimes a trigger point will refer pain to other areas of the body. For example, pressing on a trigger point on the shoulder blade can cause pain shooting down the arm. In such cases, chronic pains in one area of the body can be treated by identifying the trigger point that is refering pain to that area. Trigger points can become established throughout life, from traumas such as falls, strains, birth, accidents or occupational stresses. Trigger points typically develop at the point of greatest exertion on the muscle; hence, they are found in common locations, but they can arise anywhere. They become activiated in response to emotional and/or physical stress, causing a vicious cycle of muscle spasms causing more pain. Our usual response is to break the cycle with analgesics, warmth, etc. — but this still leaves the trigger point dormant, ready to strike again. By
