Trigger Points

Understanding the Condition

Small knots with a big reach

A trigger point is a small, hyper-irritable spot within a tight band of muscle fibre. What makes trigger points particularly notable is their ability to refer pain to a distant, sometimes surprising location — a trigger point in the shoulder, for instance, can cause a headache, while one in the buttock can mimic sciatica.

Common Causes

What commonly causes trigger points?

🏋️Muscle Overload

🪑Sustained Posture

😫Stress

🎯Direct Trauma to Muscle

💤Poor Sleep

🔁Repetitive Movement Patterns

Common Symptoms

Trigger Points may also cause

A tender, palpable knot within the muscle

Pain referred to a distant area when the point is pressed

Local twitch response when the point is stimulated

Restricted range of motion in the affected muscle

Associated weakness in the muscle

Pain that doesn't follow typical nerve patterns

Modern Musculoskeletal Science

How the tissues involved actually behave

Sustained Contraction

Trigger points are thought to involve a small area of sustained, localised muscle fibre contraction.

Local Circulation

This localised contraction can reduce blood flow to the immediate area, perpetuating the irritation.

Referred Pain Patterns

Trigger points in specific muscles have well-documented, predictable patterns of referred pain, which helps guide treatment.

Central Sensitisation

Persistent trigger points can increase the nervous system's sensitivity in the surrounding area over time.

Taut Band

A band of tightened muscle fibre surrounding the trigger point is a hallmark clinical finding.

Release Mechanisms

Manual pressure, stretching, and dry needling are all thought to help release the localised contraction.

Chinese Meridian Perspective

How Traditional Chinese Medicine views this condition

Qi, Blood & the Meridian Pathways

Trigger points align closely with the concept of 'Ashi points' in Traditional Chinese Medicine — tender points that arise wherever Qi and Blood stagnation occurs, regardless of whether they sit on a formal meridian pathway. Treating these points directly is a traditional approach to restoring local flow.

This is the traditional framework that guides our treatment approach — not a claim that has been scientifically proven. We combine it alongside modern musculoskeletal assessment, never in place of it.

Ashi Points Tender points found wherever stagnation occurs, not fixed to a single meridian
Local Meridian Pathway The specific meridian running through the affected muscle

Our Integrated Approach

Assessment first, then a plan built around you

Assessment

Remedial Massage

Chinese Tuina

Fire Cupping

Dry Needling

Trigger Point Therapy

Stretching

Self-Care Advice

Book an Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Trigger Points — your questions answered

Why does pressing one spot cause pain somewhere else?

This is called referred pain, and it's a well-documented characteristic of trigger points — the referral pattern often follows predictable, muscle-specific routes.

Can massage release trigger points?

Yes, sustained pressure and specific massage techniques are among the most common ways to help release trigger points.

Is dry needling effective for trigger points?

Many practitioners find dry needling particularly effective for releasing stubborn trigger points.

Why do my trigger points keep coming back?

If the underlying cause (posture, repetitive movement, stress) isn't addressed, the same trigger points often redevelop.

Is it normal for trigger point release to feel uncomfortable?

Some discomfort during release is common, though it shouldn't be unbearable — communicate with your therapist about pressure levels.

Can I release my own trigger points at home?

Gentle self-massage with a ball or foam roller can help with some trigger points, though deeper or stubborn ones often need professional treatment.

How many treatments does it usually take?

This varies by how long-standing the trigger point is, but many people notice improvement within a few sessions.

Can stress cause trigger points even without physical strain?

Yes, the muscle tension associated with stress can be enough to develop trigger points independent of physical activity.

Are trigger points the same as muscle knots?

Yes, this is generally the same phenomenon described in everyday language.

When should trigger point pain be checked by a doctor?

If pain is severe, doesn't respond to treatment, or is associated with other concerning symptoms like weakness or numbness.

Self-Care

What you can do between sessions

Self-Massage

Gentle pressure with a ball or foam roller can help ease accessible trigger points.

Heat

Warmth before self-massage can make release more comfortable.

Address the Cause

Identify and modify the posture or repetitive movement contributing to the trigger point.

Gentle Stretching

Stretching the affected muscle after release supports lasting benefit.

Consistency

Regular, gentle attention to known trigger point areas prevents them from becoming more entrenched.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Know the red flags

Seek medical attention if you experience:

Sudden severe pain with weakness
Pain accompanied by numbness or tingling
Trigger point pain following a significant injury
No improvement despite consistent treatment over several weeks
Signs of infection in the area
Fever or feeling unwell generally alongside the pain

This page is general education, not a diagnosis. If anything above applies to you, please see a doctor or visit an emergency department rather than booking a massage.