Trigger point pressure is fingertip or thumb pressure directly into a tight or sensitive area. The trigger point is a hypersensitive area in the muscle and connective tissue and often causes radiating pain. Releasing the trigger point encourages increased circulation to the area allowing the underlying tissue to soften.
The common cause of trigger points is trauma whether it is a direct injury, excessive stretching, or emotional stress. These sensitive regions will often activate pain in referring areas. Once the trigger point is eliminated, massage can be used to aid in removing the waste products and to restore circulation to the area.
Dr. Janet Travell is the person most often associated with trigger point therapy. She describes trigger points as “Éa small, hypersensitive region from which impulses bombard the central nervous system and give rise to referred pain.”
Dr. Travell is known for being John F. Kennedy’s physician when he was a senator and president.
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