Trigger Point:

What are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are areas of tenderness in a muscle.  There are two basic types of trigger points: active and latent.  Active trigger points cause muscular pain and will refer pain and tenderness to another area of the body when pressure is applied.  Latent trigger points only exhibit pain when compressed, they do not refer pain to other areas of the body.  Latent trigger points are believed to be one of the causes of stiff joints and restricted range of motion of old age.

Trigger points may be associated with myofascial pain syndromes or fibromyalgia.  They are very common. They are also referred to as muscle knots.  Trigger points differ from acupressure points. Acupressure points are concentrations of energy or blockages of the body's energy pathways.  Trigger points are physical phenomena that can be felt by touch.  The pain caused by trigger points may be the biggest cause of disability and loss of time in the workplace.

What Causes Trigger Points?

Trigger points have several causes.  Some common causes of trigger points are: birth trauma, an injury sustained in a fall or accident, poor posture, or overexertion.

What is the Purpose of Trigger Point Therapy?

The purpose of trigger point therapy is to eliminate pain and to re-educate the muscles into pain-free habits.  After several treatments, the swelling and stiffness of neuromuscular pain is reduced, range of motion is increased, tension is relieved, and circulation, flexibility and coordination are improved.

Hot Stone Massage:

This technique places smooth, flat stones on key points on the body.  The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body.  River rocks are normally used because they are so smooth they have been smoothed over time by the river's current.  The stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric heating device until they are within a certain temperature range.  The stones may be placed at specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes.

The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system.

Why Do People Get Hot Stone Massage?

Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting and get it for relaxation. Hot stone massage is suited to people who tend to feel chilly or who have cold feet.  It's also suited for people who have muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage.  The heat relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work the muscles without using deep pressure.

People also get hot stone massage for a variety of health conditions.  The massage therapist always holds the stones first before touching them to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot.  Everyone, however, has their own comfort range.  Be sure to speak up if the stones are too hot for you.

The massage therapist often begins by applying oil to the body,  which allows the hot stones to glide smoothly along the muscles.  You are lying face down, and the massage therapist often then uses the hot stones to massage the back.

After the hot stones have relaxed the muscles, the massage therapist may put down the stones and use his or her hands to directly massage the skin. The hot stones may then be placed back on to the body and left for a short period of time.

You are then asked to turn over onto your back. The massage therapist may place small hot stones between your toes or in the palm of your hand and repeats the sequence.