Understanding the Causes of Trigger Points
Trigger points can develop as a result of various factors that put stress on your muscles. These can include undergoing surgery, maintaining poor posture for extended periods, experiencing chronic pain, straining your muscles, sustaining muscle injuries, or being affected by conditions like fibromyalgia. Furthermore, emotional stress and anxiety can contribute to the formation of trigger points. Medical professionals suggest that individuals subjected to high levels of stress often involuntarily clench their muscles, exerting additional strain on them and making them more vulnerable to trigger point development.
Treatment: Ischemic Pressure
Ischemic pressure is a technique used to treat trigger points by applying sustained pressure to the affected area. The goal is to deactivate the trigger points and relieve pain. Depending on the size and thickness of the muscle being treated, various tools can be used, such as the thumb, knuckle, finger, or elbow.
During treatment, the practitioner applies pressure directly to the center of the trigger point. It is important for the practitioner to have the necessary skills to maintain pressure on the center of the trigger point, as deviating from it can result in more pain. Initially, pressure is applied for 10 to 20 seconds, and the duration is increased as the trigger point begins to release.
The frequency of ischemic pressure therapy depends on the chronicity of the problem and individual response to treatment. In some cases, therapy may need to be repeated every 2 to 3 days for several weeks. However, in more severe cases, patients may require only 3 to 4 treatments to experience significant improvement.