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Trigger Point Therapy (TPT)

Updated: Oct 26, 2022


What is TPT?


TPT is a technique advanced practitioners utilise that impacts the nerves and is used to address pain and dysfunction. It is also known as Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) and dates back to the nineteen-hundreds. It even uses concepts developed by one of world’s oldest healing systems, Ayurvedic Medicine. In the article, Modalities, Methods and Techniques, it is described as the “…removal of local and reflexogenic sources of pain and dysfunction.” (Chaitow, Blake and Lewis, 2008).


The technique is used after the warm up phase of a massage, as and when the therapist comes across an area of extreme tension. This hyperirritable spot is also known as a trigger point. There are a number of different kinds of trigger points. These include:


Active

An active trigger point is one with spontaneous pain or pain in response to movement that often causes local and referred pain.


Latent

A latent trigger point is a sensitive spot with pain or discomfort only elicited in response to compression.


Satellite

A satellite trigger point is a central trigger point that is induced by the activity of a key trigger point.


What to expect from TPT


To address a trigger point the therapist will manipulate the area using thumbs, fingers, knuckles, massage equipment and/or even elbows by either pressing down on, pushing, pulling or pulsing the area until the pain receptors in the muscle are effectively deactivated. This technique isn’t relaxing and can involve both gentle and deep, strong pressure. However its positive benefits can be felt for days after.


Benefits of TPT


The benefits of TPT are numerous and include:


  • Calming effect on the nervous system

  • Improved range of motion

  • Fewer headaches

  • Improved flexibility

  • Better posture

  • Pain reduction


For more information email infoholistichealthmatters@gmail.com or visit us at www.holistic-healthmatters.com to book your appointment.




Bibliography

Chaitow, L., Blake, E. and Lewis, D., 2008. Modalities, Methods and Techniques. [online] Science Direct. Available at: <https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/neuromuscular-technique> [Accessed 28 December 2021].



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