Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is hands-on care in which a physical therapist applies gentle but firm pressure to the tender, tight spots in your muscles and fascia that most people call knots. At our Chubbuck, Idaho clinic, Jared Pugmire, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, Dip Osteopractic, Cert. SMT/DN/VCS, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, who holds advanced training in manual therapy, treats patients from Chubbuck and Pocatello with it.
What pressure point release does
Your physical therapist presses on specific areas of the body, called pressure points or trigger points. Sometimes a therapist uses a device or tool to help apply the force.
The aim is to relax and normalize trigger points in the fascia, the sheath-like tissue that wraps your muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and nerves. Healthy fascia is pliant. Stress, injury, poor posture, repetitive movement or poor nutrition and hydration can leave it stiff and inelastic, which restricts the tissues underneath and can lead to pain, limited motion and a higher risk of injury. Releasing that tension is meant to restore normal movement and relieve pain.
Knots, and why the pain can show up somewhere else
You probably know what a knot feels like: uncomfortable, stiff, dense and maybe tender.
Where they form
Trigger points can happen anywhere in the body and are especially common in the shoulders, back and hips.
What is going on
Muscle fibers may tense in spasm, and blood or lymphatic flow to the area can drop, adding to stiffness and discomfort.
Referred pain
The pain can come from somewhere else. A buildup of scar tissue or a joint misalignment can cause pain or spasm in a nearby muscle, which is one reason to have a physical therapist look at the whole picture.
Conditions where we use trigger point therapy
Our team has found it helpful for many problems, including:
- Sciatica
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Golfer's elbow and tennis elbow (elbow pain)
- Whiplash
- Osteoarthritis (arthritis)
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), see Shoulder Pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Neck pain and back pain
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
Getting ready for your visit
What to wear
Comfortable clothing and sturdy, supportive shoes, anything you would be comfortable working out in.
Your first appointment
A physical therapist takes a patient history questionnaire and does a physical exam. You are encouraged to ask questions. Your plan may include Manual Therapy along with Therapeutic Exercise, joint mobilization and other physical therapy services.
Drink water
Stay well hydrated before, during and after treatment. We suggest aiming for one third to one half your body weight in fluid ounces a day, or more if you exercise a lot or have a physically demanding job.
A more passive session
Much of physical therapy asks you to take an active part. Manual therapy sessions, which include trigger point therapy, let you take a more passive, restorative role.
Trigger point therapy is drug-free and non-invasive. If you are struggling with acute or chronic pain, call our Chubbuck clinic and we will connect you with a therapist. We see patients from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho. Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan. We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before you arrive. Auto injury liens, Medpay and workers compensation are accepted, and there is a self-pay option. Call the office to confirm your plan.
Trigger point therapy in Chubbuck, Idaho
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We see patients from Chubbuck, Pocatello and the surrounding area.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.