Trigger points are small contracted nodules of muscle that can often refer pain to other areas of the body. It is said that there are over 620 possible points in the body that trigger points can exist. Trigger points are not fully understood, but it is believed that they form when a muscle has been overworked is weak or has sustained trauma of some sort. There are two types of trigger points. A key trigger point is a trigger point that has a specific referral pattern and can activate what is called a satellite trigger point. A satellite trigger point is a secondary trigger point caused by the key trigger point. Often, releasing the key trigger point causes the satellite trigger point to release as well. Trigger point work often involves compression of the trigger point in an attempt to get the knotted muscle to release. Used with traditional massage techniques, the release of a trigger point can resolve pain and dysfunction is other parts of the body.
