Trigger Point Therapy Bath, and Trigger Point Therapy Bristol

PAIN RELIEF. RELEASE. MOBILITY

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What are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are palpable nodules or taut bands within muscles (and their surrounding fascia) that become very irritable. They generate local pain, referred pain, restricted mobility, and also contribute to altered muscle function. Trigger points are not just muscular but involve the interplay between muscle tissue, fascia, neural input, vascular flow, and connective tissue mechanics. 

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Trigger points are painful areas in myofascial tissue where local circulation is impeded, causing muscle contracture and referred pain. They account for 75% of pain sources and contribute to various conditions such as headaches, neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.​

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Fascia is tissue that wraps around muscles and organs, holding everything together and in form. It is a tensegrity-networked system that transmits forces, integrates with muscular contraction, and affects proprioception. Dysfunction in fascia can worsen trigger point formation and vice versa. 

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Trigger points often develop because of overload, trauma, repetitive postural strain, emotional-stress holding, or insufficient recovery. Once present, they maintain a protective contracture partly via neural sensitisation. 

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What does Trigger Point Therapy Involve?

Trigger Point Therapy involves careful palpation to find taut bands, local tenderness, pain points, and possible referral pain patterns. Trigger Point Therapy targets these pain points to alleviate pain and improve mobility, often as part of a Deep Tissue Massage. By applying pressure to these areas within the client's pain tolerance, relief is achieved, reducing muscle tension and enhancing blood flow.

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Sustained pressure is applied directly to the located trigger points, and held until released or softening. This allows depleted blood flow to re-perfuse, metabolic waste to clear, and fibres to relax. Pressure can be gradually increased depending on tolerance. Once contracture lessens, affected muscle and adjacent muscles are stretched to lengthen fibres and reduce strain.

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Trigger points can develop due to occupational, emotional, or postural stress, leading to chronic muscle tightness. Therapy involves bringing awareness to these points, stimulating recovery, and relieving pain through deep pressure and endorphin release.

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Neural / Nervous System Integration
Breath work timed with release helps reduce nervous system guarding, allowing for deeper relaxation of muscular contractions.

Aftercare

Gentle stretches, self-pressure, and posture corrections are recommended after treatment, and rest where needed.
Identification and advice on modifying contributing habits is given to reduce further accumulation of trigger points. 

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Outcomes Supported by Recent Research 

• Pain is reduced and referred pain (e.g. headaches, shoulder and neck pain) when trigger points and fascia are addressed together. 

• Range of motion and flexibility is increased through combined muscular release and fascial manipulation. 

• Postural alignment is improved, with reduced compensatory movement patterns. Muscle imbalance often improves. 

• Decreased muscle stiffness, and lowered neural sensitisation (reduced pain response).

 

Commonly Addressed Muscles and Patterns

Trigger points often form in muscles that are heavily used, posturally stressed, or under chronic load. For example:

• Upper trapezius, levator scapulae, scalenes

• Pectoralis major and minor, rotator cuff muscles

• Erector spinae, quadratus lumborum

• Gluteus maximus, medius, piriformis

• Hamstrings, quadriceps, calves

• Muscles of the jaw and neck

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Referred pain patterns frequently mismatch where the pain is felt versus where trigger points lie, so connected regions are scanned.

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Treatment Session Options

• 1 hour (approx.): enough time for assessment, one or two major regions, manual release, gentle stretch, and home care advice.

• 1 hour 30 minutes: deeper work, multiple regions, possibly more time on fascial layers or challenging trigger points.

• 2 hours: for chronic cases, complex patterns, or full body integration of muscle plus fascia release.

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Safety, Expectations and Self-Care

• Sensations of discomfort are normal during sustained pressure; pain level must always remain within what is tolerable.

• Some soreness, aching or mild fatigue may follow sessions. That is part of tissue response.

• Hydration, rest, gentle movement after sessions helps aid recovery.

• Daily or regular self-care (stretching, posture awareness, gentle self-massage) helps maintain benefits.

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For effective pain relief and enhanced mobility, book your Trigger Point Therapy session today.