Trigger points are involuntary tight tender spots in a contracted muscle, often with decreased circulation, increased muscle contraction, spasms, and increased nerve sensitivity. This can sometimes cause sharp pain, constant aches, or referred pain felt in other parts of the body.
Trigger points develop from stress, repetitive or overuse of a muscle, trauma or accident, structural imbalance, or improper or lack of stretching before physical activity. Knots can develop when individual muscle fibers are over-stimulated, increasing blood flow and diminishing oxygen supply; the result can be your body transmitting pain signals. To treat trigger points, apply sustained pressure for about 10-30 seconds to release the muscle spasm and relax the muscle. This increases blood flow to the muscle, normalizing it and bringing it back to a healthy state. This procedure is one of the most powerful yet simple ways to treat muscle pain and discomfort.