What to expect from a Trigger Point Session

Dealing with trigger points (TrPs) is a collaborative process. A good TrP therapist can locate and release your trigger points, but they will need your help to be most effective.

On your first visit your TrP therapist will ask you a lot of questions:

• Your TrP therapist will ask you questions about your medical history, particularly if you have had any accidents or surgeries
• Your TrP therapist will ask you about your occupation, recreational activities and other pastimes
  
• Your TrP therapist will ask you if you are under a lot of stress

The reasons for these questions are to help your TrP therapist determine what may have caused your chronic muscular pain and to safely find and release your trigger points.
Chronic muscular pain can be brought on by stress. The stress may be emotional, physical, or a combination of both. Knowing about your stresses helps your TrP therapist develop a plan of action.

Once you and your therapist have discussed your condition, the treatment will begin.
Depending on the areas of you body that need to be worked, you may be asked to disrobe partially or completely. During the session, you will be draped by sheets or towels to protect your modesty and to keep you warm. Draping is very difficult for some areas of the body, so in some instances you may be asked to wear running shorts, a jog-bra, or tights.

Your TrP therapist will begin by performing a seeking massage to locate your areas of muscular tension. Although your TrP therapist will be able to feel many of the taught bands that accompany TrPs, you will be asked to provide feedback. As your therapist palpates your body, you will be asked if the area is tender, and in many cases how you would rate the pain at a specific spot. Communication is very important. If you can help guide your therapist to the source of your pain, your therapist will be more effective in releasing the pain.

Your therapist will apply pressure to trigger points as they are located. This will most likely be painful, and in many cases the pain will "refer" to other parts of your body. Be sure to tell your therapist as soon as you feel any pain or discomfort; The pain is an indication that the therapist has found the right spot. The good news is that the pain should begin to fade as the therapist works the spot, and the result should be a release of your chronic pain.

TrP pain can be quite intense; many have described it as exquisite tenderness. If the pain becomes too intense, tell your therapist immediately to "back off" or stop. You are always in control. You are the best judge of the proper amount of pressure that your therapist should apply.

Your TrP therapist will also gently stretch your affected muscles and teach you corrective exercises to do at home. While you may find the exercises painful at first, they need to be done several times a day to be effective. Your TrP therapist can help release your trigger points, but only you can keep them from returning. Your health is your responsibility and your TrP therapist will encourage you to exercise more, eat a proper diet, and be conscious of the stresses in your life.

Unfortunately, TrP therapy is not a silver bullet, and a single TrP session will probably not dispel your chronic muscular pain. Your pain developed over time, and it will take time to reverse the process. Most people need about five sessions to feel better, but if you suffer from fibromyalagia or other myofascial pain syndromes, you may need regular treatments over a much longer period of time. Your TrP therapist should be able to tell within a few sessions whether or not you will benefit from further sessions. If you do not respond to the therapy, your TrP therapist will recommend treatment from other health care professionals.