Human anatomy is an interesting topic. There are millions of nerves in the human body, various body parts, different functionality, and so on. The tandem of all these body parts and their functions ensures the favorable functioning of the entire body. One among these is the trigger point. Present in the muscles, trigger points can be quite discomforting at times. People who often experience trigger point problems must seek medical advice to avoid further discomfort and pain. If you are also looking for trigger point therapy in Indiana, INPC could be the right choice for you.
We have an expert team of pain management specialists who can help you get relief from trigger-point pain issues. Connect with us today for a trigger point therapy clinic in Indiana.
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are sort of knots present in the taut band of the skeletal muscles. They are usually present in the thickest part of muscles and sometimes may also develop around fascia which is known as myofascial pain. Doctors call it trigger points because they can cause pain and discomfort at times. There can be two reasons why they cause pain; pressure on the trigger point or when the muscles around become tight. As a result, trigger knots can cause pressure and stress around causing pain and discomfort. It may also cause inflammation and severe pain.
The pain may also travel to different parts of the body and can cause pain. So, this means that the trigger point may cause pain in the surrounding muscles or in other body parts. If you experience such pain and it keeps returning or is persistent, you must seek medical advice. Pain management specialists like those at INPC can help you find the cause of pain and the correct treatment for the same.
Types of trigger points
Trigger points can cause pain in the location or spread to other body parts. So, there are usually two types of trigger points:
- Active trigger points
Active trigger points are the ones that may cause pain at their location and also travel to other body parts. For instance, if you press the shoulder trigger point and if it’s active, the pain may also travel from shoulder to chest and arms. So, such a knot is an active trigger point.
- Latent trigger points
Trigger points that limit pain to the location of the knot are latent trigger points. For instance, if you press the hamstring trigger point which is passive, the pain will stay in that exact location. It does not travel to other body parts like active trigger points.
Trigger point therapy
Pain in trigger points can be quite discomforting and may even affect your daily life activities. In order to treat the pain, the doctor may recommend trigger point therapy. It is a soft tissue therapy where the doctor applies manual pressure for deep tissue massage. This technique helps in aligning the fascia of muscles.
During the trigger point therapy, the pressure on the knots helps release tension and improve blood flow for pain relief. Due to the therapy pressure, nitric oxide releases which signals the opening of microcapillaries (small blood vessels) to increase the blood flow. As a result, the pain cycle of trigger points breaks and reduces pain. If you are looking for pain relief therapy in Indiana, INPC could be the right choice for you!
Types of trigger point therapy
People suffering from persistent or severe muscle pain must not delay visiting a doctor. At Indiana Neurology and Pain Center, we assure comprehensive solutions for all types of muscle pain. Our expert will diagnose the underlying cause and the pain point to develop an effective treatment plan.
In case of trigger knot pain, the doctor may broadly recommend these three types of trigger point therapies:
- Manual massage
Physical therapy or manual massage for trigger knots involves applying pressure on the point till the blood flow improves. As a result, the pressure begins to reduce and the patient feels comfortable. Depending on the severity of the pain in the knots, the patient may need multiple sessions of manual therapy. Gradually, the pain settles.
Doctors may also recommend massage balls or other tools that may help release the tension in trigger points.
- Dry needling
Dry needling is the procedure of inserting acupuncture needles into the trigger point muscles. It may cause a twitch feeling in the muscles. The purpose of dry needling is to cause contraction and relaxation in the muscles which will help in releasing muscle tension. Thus, the blood flow increases and pain reduces.
On the other hand, dry needling also impacts the nervous system. As a result, the response to pain in the trigger point decreases and thus, you may feel less or no pain.
- Trigger point injections
Last but not least, people who may not find lasting comfort through dry needling or manual therapy may need trigger point injections. These are thin injections that may carry medications like anesthesia, steroids, or saline. During the procedure, the doctor inserts the thin injection directly into the trigger knots to release pain. It also helps improve blood flow into the body part.
Conclusion
Trigger points are hyperirritable knots. So, the pain in these knots can cause extreme pain and discomfort. Inflammation may further cause problems and also restrict movement. Delaying medical attention or tolerating pain for longer is never a good idea. Make sure to visit your nearby pain management clinic for quick treatment. At Indiana Neurology and Pain Center, we are experts in treating pain problems. Along with various other types of pain, we also treat trigger point cases. So, do not hesitate but book your appointment today. Get long-lasting pain relief to regain your lost movement.
Indiana Neurology and Pain Center has two locations. We operate at both clinics. You may visit us at your convenience. To book your appointment or learn more about our services, you may contact us at:
- Shore Drive Clinic (316-317-939-6100)
- Shadeland Ave Clinic (317-348-3622).
