In medical science , for a long time only degenerative joints or trapped nerves had been considered as a reason for pain. In principle, pain can be felt in any part of the body
In the last few years it is well accepted that pain often originating from the muscular system. Overuse or stress at work, in sports or during leisure time, are all possible reasons for muscular problems.
muscular pain may be a primary problem or may coexist with other diagnoses as osteoarthritis.or sciatica For a long time, the muscular system has been ignored as a cause of pain as often muscular pain is referred away from the muscular source. For example, neck muscles may be the cause for a headache. Furthermore, a painful knee can be caused by thigh muscles, and pain in Achilles tendon often has its origin in the calf
Myofascial trigger points, also known as trigger points, are described as hyperirritable spots in the fascia surrounding skeletal muscle. They are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers
Trigger points can obstruct circulation and trap nerve fibres. In case persistent irritation, trigger points are capable of causing persistent pain. The good news is that trigger points are treatable, even after years of irritation/pain. There are different treatment options to treat trigger points; for example, myofascial release manual trigger point therapy and dry needling .
Manual trigger point therapy or myofascial release is the treatment of muscles and connective tissues with special hands on techniques
For dry‐needling, a sterile needle is used to improve the local circulation and to interrupt the referred pain.
Other options include exercise, and modalities such as heat, electrotherapies, Laser and ultrasound and acoustic waves
It is important to localise the target area and correct the factors that are causing the trigger points.
Your therapist will inform you about the most effective treatment for your problem, but the choice will of course be yours. The sooner your pain is assessed by a professional, the more likely you are to respond to treatment.
Trigger point therapy success also depends on your contribution. Your therapist treats the body parts that provoke the heaviest pain. However, if the pain is too much for you, you may interrupt the treatment at any point by simply saying “stop”. It is normal that you may experience post treatment soreness for 1 or 2 days after a trigger point therapy.
The skin might be a little bit irritated by the treatment. Very rarely, there will be a small haematoma (bruise).
You can augment in the healing process by taking a hot shower or a bath after the treatment or you may add a hot pack to the treated body parts.
If necessary, you may also take non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for 2 or 3 days as medically approved.
Furthermore, all the treated muscles should be carefully stretched 2 or 3 times a day for 30 seconds as directed by your therapist. If it is possible, depending on your pain, it is recommended to exercise 2 times a week. Beyond these recommendations, try to be aware of postures and work situations that cause the pain and try to avoid them. Keep exercising as advised .