Taking a Look at Your Trigger Point Treatment Options
Trigger points are small, hard knots of muscle that form after long periods of tension—and they can be a major source of pain. Not only can these palpable lumps cause local discomfort, but they can also lead to referred pain (pain in a completely different area of the body) by affecting nerves. For example, your headache could be the result of a trigger point in your shoulder. Fortunately, treatment is available from a pain and wellness center for this painful condition.
- Massage therapy: Unlike common muscle tension, trigger points affect only one small area of the muscle, forming a knot or lump. However, the same massage treatment that works on larger areas of muscles also works on these small knots. The pressure of massage therapy can work to unlock and relax these sections of muscle. This may not be the soothing, relaxing massage that you’re used to, though. To alleviate trigger points, massage therapists apply very firm pressure directly to these sensitive spots, which often causes discomfort. Just as trigger points don’t form overnight, they also cannot be treated overnight. It may take several sessions for you to experience relief from your symptoms.
- Injection Therapy: If massage therapy doesn’t alleviate trigger points, injection therapy may be an option. A doctor will inject a small amount of local anesthetic directly into the trigger point. Doctors have found that dry needle treatment, which uses no medication, is effective for patients who are allergic to the anesthetic. This procedure both deactivates the trigger point and alleviates pain. Some patients require several treatment sessions, but most say that injection therapy leads to long-term pain relief.
Treating trigger points can alleviate soreness, nerve pain, and headaches. If you’re suffering from these painful muscle knots, the Pain and Wellness Center in Peabody can help you get on track to physical health. Call (781) 780-3616 today to set up a pain management appointment to start soothing your trigger points.
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