What Is Trigger Point Therapy?
Trigger points are discrete, hyperirritable spots within a muscle's taut band. They are tender under pressure and, when active, refer pain to predictable remote areas. The classic example is a trigger point in the upper trapezius that causes a headache felt at the temple. Most people treat the headache. Shaun treats the trapezius trigger point causing it.
Manual trigger point therapy applies direct, sustained pressure to these spots, using thumbs, knuckles or tools, to mechanically and neurologically release the point. It is used when needles are not appropriate, or in combination with dry needling to maximise trigger point resolution across a session.
Key Benefits
- Resolves referred pain patterns at their source, not their symptom site
- Sustained manual pressure deactivates active trigger points
- Effective for headaches, neck pain, shoulder and hip referral patterns
- No needles required, appropriate for needle-averse clients
- Used in combination with dry needling for comprehensive resolution
- Immediate reduction in local tenderness and referred symptoms
What to Expect in Your Session
- Assessment and palpation to find the trigger points that reproduce your familiar pain.
- Sustained, controlled pressure held on each point until the tissue releases.
- The pressure can feel intense or achy but should stay within your tolerance.
- Followed by stretching or movement to restore normal muscle length.
- Brief tenderness over the treated points afterwards is common.
Who It Suits
- People who prefer a needle-free approach
- Headaches linked to neck and upper back tension
- Referred pain into the shoulder, arm, hip or leg
- Anyone wanting to combine manual release with dry needling
Good to Know
If a trigger point is stubborn, dry needling can be added later if you are comfortable with it. The choice is always yours.
Prefer a needle-free option?
Shaun can treat trigger points manually and discuss needling only if and when you want it.