The connection between trigger points and pain

Trigger points and their forms of therapy in pain relief

Trigger points are on everyone's lips - and can be found in most people's muscles. At the latest since dry needling and fascia rollers have achieved a certain level of popularity, these muscle hardenings have become a common term in the fight against pain and tension. But what exactly are trigger points and what is the best way to treat them?

Trigger points are small, sensitive areas within a muscle that can trigger pain when pressure is applied. They often manifest themselves as small lumps or indurations in the tissue. Without pressure, other symptoms are also possible, such as numbness and tingling sensations, migraines, earache, jaw problems, visual problems or coughing. They typically arise as a reaction to muscle overload, poor posture, direct injury or lack of exercise. They can also be caused by chronic muscular tension or repetitive movements.

How exactly does a trigger point develop?

Overloading or traumatic overstretching causes an injury in the muscle, which results in an increase in calcium. The high calcium concentration results in a permanent tension of the sarcomere (the smallest functional unit of the musculature). The contraction increases the metabolism and leads to a lack of oxygen, which results in a so-called energy crisis in the muscle, because the calcium is not available.

The overloading or traumatic overstretching causes an injury in the muscle, which results in an increase in calcium. The high calcium concentration results in a permanent tension of the sarcomere (the smallest functional unit of the musculature). The contraction increases the metabolism and leads to a lack of oxygen, which results in a so-called energy crisis in the muscle because the calcium cannot be reabsorbed. The permanent tension and lack of oxygen mean that the muscle can no longer relax, resulting in a trigger point. Incidentally, there are numerous, microscopically small points that create a trigger point.

Trigger points lead to restricted blood circulation in the affected area, which results in an insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissue. This can cause localised pain in the muscle itself or radiating pain to more distant areas of the body. Trigger points can also lead to restricted mobility and muscle weakness. This characteristic property also gave the trigger point its name. The term 'to trigger' means 'to set off'.

Which muscles are particularly susceptible to this type of tension and why?

Trigger points occur remarkably frequently in the shoulder-neck region. Trigger points in the neck are often caused by poor posture, such as sitting in front of a computer for long periods or using mobile devices. The head is forced into an unnatural position, which puts a lot of strain on the neck muscles. Repetitive movements, such as those that occur in certain sports, prolonged one-sided postures or unfavourable sleeping positions can also promote the development of trigger points in the neck. These factors make the neck particularly susceptible to pain, stiffness and restricted mobility due to trigger points.

What can be done about trigger points?

Once it has been established that the pain is actually caused by a trigger point, there are a number of ways to combat it. These include passive options such as manual release of the hardened area and dry needling. However, independent, active options are at least as effective. These mainly involve movements that stimulate the metabolism and thus promote blood circulation in order to loosen the tense muscles. The best-known exercise for the neck is shoulder circles. This is a movement that is often performed automatically when the neck is tense - but usually for too short a time. The shoulders should be rotated from the bottom front to the top back for at least one minute to stimulate and release the corresponding muscles. Strength training also helps to tackle or prevent long-term trigger points. This is because the stronger a muscle is, the less tense it is and the less pain it triggers.

How can Calopad help to treat trigger points?

Trigger points are usually located deep in the tissue, which is why a deep effect is suitable. Thanks to the deep heat of 42°C, the Calopad device is able to reach deep into the muscles and target the trigger point directly. In addition, heat stimulates blood circulation and therefore fulfils one of the main objectives of trigger point therapy. It can be applied to any muscle and is perfect for use at home or when travelling.

However, active movement exercises are essential to ensure long-term freedom from pain. Calopad® Care is suitable for longer-term and sustainable therapeutic success. This therapy solution combines traditional and digital physiotherapy through the Calopad Therapies app and is complemented by our unique deep heat technology to directly address the affected muscles. Calopad physiotherapists are also able to accurately analyse the workplace through the location-independent online sessions to avoid any trigger point development due to office work. With its services, Calopad offers customised solutions for any form of pain. Do it for yourself and start your journey to freedom from pain today!