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Trigger Point Myofascial Pain Physiotherapy



Physiotherapy defines myofascial pain, or trigger points, as very focused hyperirritability in muscles and fascia (a connective tissue) that when stimulated, can cause central nervous system modulation (ie lots of pain, and pain that can radiate/travel to nearby structures).

They are characterized by pin-point tenderness, that can be widespread when palpated.

types of trigger points

There are four (4) types of trigger points we manage in our physio clinics:

  1. Active Trigger Points – actively referring pain locally or to another location.
  2. Latent Trigger Points – inactive trigger point that doesn’t yet refer pain, but may be activated when triggered by certain stimuli.
  3. Key Trigger Points – the stimulating trigger point that activates other latent trigger points
  4. Satellite Trigger Points – the trigger point that is activated by the key trigger point

Note that treating the primary or key trigger points do not treat the secondary satellite ones, which must be treated separately.

Potential Causes Of Trigger Points

Physiotherapists, physiologists and researchers often debate and discuss the development or activation of trigger points and their causes. The factors that seem to cause/aggravate trigger points can be isolated to the following factors:

  • muscle overloading
  • activation by other trigger points
  • disease
  • psychological stress
  • trauma
  • imbalance in the human system

Trigger points occur and form only in the muscles and/or connective tissues such as fascia. They are a bundle of muscle fibers which can cause deep pain within muscles and joints when they pull the associated muscles. When our muscle fibers contract, it creates a byproduct of lactic acid, which the body will remove via natural circulation.

However in the case of a trigger point, the tightened muscle fibres contract and this constricts localized capillaries, effectively storing the lactic acid in the bundles itself.

When any trigger points become activated in the muscles, patients will very often experience both

  • weakness and
  • pain in the affected areas

and this pain patterns have a specific neural pathway, which can be traced easily.

However, because there are many trigger points that have pain patterns that overlap, the treatment of the trigger points often becomes very extensive (takes a number of sessions) to effectively treat and remove them.

Our physiotherapy clients often report a sense of general wellbeing after each session of trigger point management.

how to diagnose Trigger Points

Our senior physiotherapists diagnose trigger points using a two-point method:

  • clinical interviews to identify signs
  • physical examination of the signs, symptoms, pain patterns as well as using manual clinical palpations

An experienced senior physiotherapist can quickly and accurately detect the taut bands and nodules of trigger points within muscle fibers that causes a “all or nothing at all” twitch response – this is a primary sign. Pressing on the trigger point nodule directly will cause localized or referred pain.

Some larger muscles such as the back and gluteal muscles have multiple and larger trigger points.

Physiotherapy Treatment Of Myofascial Pain Trigger Points

  1. Myotherapy (deep pressure)
  2. Clinical massage therapy (including deep tissue release therapy)
  3. Ultrasound therapy and radio-frequency Indiba physiotherapy to accelerate muscle and soft tissue healing
  4. Mechanical oscillation and vibration
  5. Manual therapy
  6. Pulse Ultrasound
  7. Dry needling
  8. Ischemic compression
  9. Heat therapy
  10. Spray and stretch
  11. Stretching and flexibility program

Successful Physiotherapy Myofascial Pain Treatment Protocol

The key approach in physiotherapy trigger point myofascial treatment is

  1. identifying accurately the exact trigger points and
  2. treating all the active and key trigger points effectively

The muscles that contains inactive, latent ones need to be stretched and mobilized, as well as to mobilize the fascia of nearby structures.

The results of any manual therapy is directly related to the skill and experience level of the physiotherapist or hand therapist.

If trigger points are pressed for too short time, they main be active still; if they are pressed too hard or too long, the trigger points becomes inflamed and bruised, causing escalated, worst and longer pain in the area.



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Phoenix Rehab Physio Services

Phoenix Rehab Group works with specialist physiotherapists and rehab therapists who are highly trained, qualified, experienced and passionate to provide high level of expert care to our patients.



HAND THERAPY & CUSTOMIZED SPLINTING

Patients who sustained injuries to their elbows, forearms, hands, wrists (sprains and fractures) and fingers, usually will benefit / require Hand Therapy to

  1. manage and decrease hand pains
  2. improve range of motion, strength and dexterity
  3. increase the function of their hand following injuries or post-operations

Commonly treated hand pain injuries includes



REFORMER CLINICAL PILATES & WELLNESS PILATES

Clinical Pilates is a form of physical exercise that focuses on posture, core stability, balance, control, strength, flexibility and breathing.

It is a system of safe and effective exercises, which meet specific individual needs, to treat a wide range of injuries and conditions.

You may do Pilates as matwork or with the reformer or both, and every session will be customized 100% to your fitness, injury and tolerance.



TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)

  • Cupping TCM
  • Auricular Therapy TCM
  • Herbal TCM Medicine & Supplementation



DEEP TISSUE RELEASE & SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY

Sports and deep tissue release massage helps to increase nutrient-rich blood flow to tired, tight and tense muscles to accelerate recovery and  shorten downtime / recovery period required.

It also prevents muscles from scar tissue micro-tears (and potential ruptures), and increases muscle performance. Having regular deep tissue and sports massage will keep your muscles healthy and fit with body/movement-confidence.

Read the benefits of regular deep tissue release therapy here.



ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

All our allied health therapists and TCM physicians are fully insured and registered with Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Board (TCMB).

See our entire team here with introductions and their specializations.

At the first session, our specialist physiotherapists will carry out a thorough assessment, helping them to select the most appropriate treatment to help you recover as well as provide treatment in the same session.

Follow up sessions are inline to provide expert treatment for your pain as well as prescribing specific exercises to reduce your risk of re-injury and giving you a long term solution.

do Tell Your Family, Friends And Colleagues About Us =)

We appreciate you as our valued clients and want you to know that the # 1 way we grow as a clinic / brand is through word of mouth referrals from valued patients like yourself.

We prefer not to rely on advertising - instead, we prefer and appreciate the goodwill and positive reinforcement from patients. When you have the chance, please tell your family, friends and physicians about the positive results and experience you have had in our physio clinics.

book an appointment today
(or check your pains / injuries)

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