Trigger point massage: when muscles become knotted and overstimulated

Who would have thought that small points in muscle tissue could cause so much pain? We are talking about trigger points. These are localized muscle hardenings that often feel like pea-sized nodules under the skin. 

They can not only affect the immediate area, but also radiate pain to completely different parts of the body. They are particularly common in areas where the muscles are already under a lot of strain: in the neck, back or shoulders.

What exactly is behind these mysterious pain points? And, above all, how can they be treated in a targeted manner, ideally with an acute approach, without having to make regular trips to the massage practice? Trigger point massage offers a surprisingly effective solution.

 

Reading tip: Would you like to find out more about massage types as a solution for specific complaints? Then take a look at our article "From head to toe - where massages can help".

 

What are trigger points - and how do they develop in the first place?

In short: trigger points are small, hardened muscle areas that usually form due to overloading, incorrect posture or lack of movement. They occur when individual muscle fibers remain permanently tense and can no longer fully relax. 

Stress, monotonous strain or injuries are therefore common causes. The body reacts to this with a localized cramp, which is palpable and often reacts painfully to pressure.

Typical symptoms range from dull pain and restricted movement to radiating pain, for example in the arms or head. 

Particularly well known: Trigger points in the neck, which can trigger tension headaches or even migraines, a topic we also discussed in the article "Relieving neck pain" in detail. If you understand the origin of such complaints, you can take more targeted countermeasures - and this is precisely where trigger point massage comes in.

 

What is a trigger point massage - and how does it differ from a classic massage?

 

While classic massages are primarily used for general relaxation and work over a large area, trigger point massage focuses on the exact point where the painful hardening is located.

By applying targeted pressure to the affected muscle areas, these knots of tension can be released and the muscles stimulated to regenerate. This not only promotes local blood circulation, but also has a positive effect on the central nervous system.

The effect of trigger point massage is based on a simple principle: A controlled stimulus briefly increases muscle tension, which causes subsequent relaxation.

At the same time, the nervous system registers the change in tension and reacts by readjusting muscle activity - a process that has been shown to have a positive effect on chronic pain stimuli. 

It has been shown that the combination of manual stimulation and neuronal feedback in particular contributes to pain modulation - in other words, targeted pressure on trigger points sends stimuli to the central nervous system, which dampens pain signals and promotes muscular relaxation. 

If you want to delve deeper into the topic, you can find out more in our article "How massages influence the nervous system".

 

Trigger points in the shoulder and neck area - small knots, big effect

Trigger points in the neck and shoulder muscles are among the most common sources of pain. They arise particularly easily here - due to prolonged sitting, long periods of screen time or stress-induced "shoulder hunching".

Typical symptoms are not only a pulling sensation in the neck, but also tension headaches or pain that radiates into the arm. Many people don't even realize that the cause lies in an inconspicuous muscle knot.

Trigger point massage can be targeted here: By applying manual pressure to the affected areas or using tools such as massage balls and massage guns, these hardenings can be dissolved. 

Massage chairs with a precise kneading function - such as the model MSW-300 - can also effectively treat trigger points in the neck area and thus provide long-term relief.

 

Trigger points in the back - when tension becomes deeply entrenched

Trigger points are also one of the most common sources of pain in the back. The muscles along the spine or in the area of the lumbar vertebrae are often particularly affected. 

Here too, incorrect posture in everyday life, too little exercise or physically strenuous activities are often triggers. The result: dull, radiating pain, which can sometimes even feel like a pinched nerve.

Targeted trigger point massage can also effectively counteract this. Whether through finger pressure, massage sticks or mechanical support. 

It is important to localize the points precisely and treat them adequately. If you want to find out more about back pain and its causes, we recommend our article: What helps against back pain.

 

Treat trigger points yourself - how you can take action

The good thing is that many trigger points can be treated by yourself with a little practice. Instinctively, this is also what many of us do when we experience tension pain. We try to locate the starting point and carefully apply pressure to the region. 

A tried and tested method is the manual pressure technique - the painful point is pressed with the thumb. the thumb or a massager for 30-60 seconds.

Alternatively, aids such as fascia rollers, massage balls or trigger rods are used. One challenge is to apply pressure to hard-to-reach areas while maintaining a relatively relaxed posture; the right tool therefore plays a key role in the success of the treatment.

Particularly practical for everyday use are massage guns or massage chairs with trigger point functionwhich can be used regularly without spending a lot of time.

Note: As always, if the symptoms are severe or chronic, do not hesitate to seek professional help from your doctor.

 

Understanding pain - and resolving it specifically with trigger points

 

 

What often feels like a constant companion in everyday life - that pulling pain in the neck, back or shoulder - often has a very specific cause: hardened trigger points. 

Instead of putting up with them permanently, it is worth taking a closer look and becoming active. Trigger point massage is an effective method of releasing muscular tension where it arises. With a noticeable effect on mobility, well-being and energy in everyday life.

Whether with your own hands, targeted tools or supportive aids such as a massage chair with trigger point function - you have the opportunity to take your well-being into your own hands.

Small routines, applied regularly, make a noticeable difference. Trigger point massage starts exactly where the body needs help - in the knowledge that a targeted touch is often the first step towards greater ease. A silent hint that makes a noticeable difference.