Have you ever felt a tight knot in your muscle that seemed to radiate pain to other areas of your body? You may be dealing with a trigger point—a common but often misunderstood source of musculoskeletal pain. dry needling Sherwood Park At Emerald Hills Physiotherapy, we help patients identify and treat these troublesome spots using proven physiotherapy techniques.
What Are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are sensitive, tight areas within a muscle or its fascia (connective tissue) that can cause pain locally or in a referred pattern. These points are often described as “knots” and can feel hard to the touch. They commonly develop after:
Muscle overuse or repetitive strain
Poor posture
Injury or trauma
Stress and tension
Inactivity or prolonged immobilization
Trigger points can be active, meaning they produce pain consistently, or latent, which don’t hurt until pressed but may restrict movement or cause weakness.
The Pain Connection
One of the defining features of trigger points is referred pain. This is pain that is felt in a different area than where the trigger point is located. For example:
A trigger point in the shoulder muscles might cause pain in the arm.
Points in the gluteal muscles might cause pain down the leg, similar to sciatica.
These patterns can often lead people to misdiagnose the source of their pain—focusing on the referred area instead of addressing the trigger point itself.
Physiotherapy for Trigger Point Relief
At Emerald Hills Physiotherapy, our team is experienced in identifying and treating trigger points through a variety of manual and therapeutic techniques. Each treatment plan is customized based on the patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
Common physiotherapy techniques include:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on massage and pressure techniques help release tight muscle bands and improve blood flow to the affected area, reducing pain and restoring normal muscle function.
Dry Needling
This targeted technique uses fine needles to deactivate trigger points and release deep muscle tension. Many patients experience significant relief after just a few sessions.
Stretching and Strengthening
Customized exercise plans address muscular imbalances and help prevent the recurrence of trigger points by keeping the muscles strong and flexible.
Postural Training
Poor posture is a common contributor to chronic trigger points, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back. We work with patients to improve alignment and reduce daily strain.
Education and Ergonomics
Understanding how to modify your workspace, lifting techniques, or daily habits can make a huge difference in preventing muscle strain and the development of new trigger points.
Don’t Let Trigger Points Control Your Life
Persistent muscle pain and tightness can significantly impact your ability to work, exercise, and enjoy everyday life. But relief is possible—with the right care.
If you’re experiencing chronic or unexplained pain, visit Emerald Hills Physiotherapy in Sherwood Park. Our expert physiotherapists are here to help you understand what’s behind your discomfort and guide you toward lasting relief.
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