A quick answer for busy readers
Trigger point therapy focuses on sensitive spots in muscles and fascia that often feel like small knots. These points can cause local pain or even send discomfort to other areas of the body. During myofascial release, your therapist applies slow pressure, gentle stretching and guided breathing.
This helps relax the tight spot, improve blood flow, restore smooth movement between tissues and ease pain. Results include freer movement, fewer flare ups and better training tolerance.
A short introduction from Body Advance
Trigger point therapy is a soft tissue technique used to restore muscle function and relieve pain. The method involves applying sustained pressure to muscles affected by ‘knots’ or areas of the body that are taut.
At Body Advance we help people move with confidence, whether you lift weights, run, cycle or work long hours at a desk. Trigger point therapy is one of the focused techniques we use inside myofascial release to address stubborn tightness and referred pain patterns. This guide breaks down the science in plain language, shows how a session unfolds and offers simple ways to keep progress between visits. If you want care that blends hands on skill with practical advice, this is for you.
What is a trigger point and why it hurts
A trigger point is a sensitive spot within a taut band of muscle that remains partially contracted. It often produces a familiar ache or a spreading sensation when pressed. We have all felt the pain of muscle knots and the implications this can have on our daily function and movement.
Understanding what causes these knots and what treatment can be administered to relieve the pain is key. The main contributors include training spikes, repetitive tasks, stress, awkward posture and minor strains that never fully settled.
What you will likely notice
- a knot or ropey band that is tender to touch
- pain that travels or refers to another area
- reduced range of motion and a feeling of weakness
- tightness that returns quickly after stretching
For a wider view on soft tissue care and performance, explore the benefits of sports massage and how it fits with your weekly routine.
Why myofascial release is ideal for trigger points
Fascia is the connective tissue network that wraps and links muscles, nerves and joints. When fascia stiffens or dehydrates, tissues lose glide and trigger points stay irritated. Myofascial release addresses both the fascial container and the muscle inside, which helps to activate trigger points. This is why it pairs so well with specific trigger point work.
How myofascial release helps
- sustained pressure softens restrictions and improves local blood flow
- slow stretch follows tissue resistance to lengthen safely
- breath and gentle movement reduce protective guarding
- improved glide reduces overload on neighbouring joints and muscles
If you are interested in a more detailed guide on the different types of massage and treatment options, considering reading our guide to sports massage vs deep tissue massage. This shows when stronger pressure is helpful and when a slower myofascial approach gives better results.
What a focused session involves
At Body Advance, we know how difficult living with pain can be and the importance of pain relief for our patients. We listen carefully, understand what you are going through and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our goal is for you to leave each session feeling lighter, renewed and ready to move with ease.
Assessment and mapping
We discuss your goals, training load, stress, sleep and daily posture. Palpation identifies taut bands and confirms key points by reproducing your recognisable pain pattern.
Tissue preparation
Light warming techniques encourage circulation. Sustained fascial holds soften the area so deeper points release with less discomfort and less guarding.
Precise pressure on the point
Fingers, a knuckle or an elbow apply controlled pressure for 30 to 90 seconds. Expect a firm, therapeutic sensation that eases as the tissue yields. You guide the intensity at all times.
Myofascial stretching and active release
Once the point softens, the fascial layer is lengthened in several directions. You may perform small movements or gentle contractions to lock in the change.
Recheck and integration
We retest range, strength and comfort. Linked chains are treated where needed so improvements last through daily tasks and training.
Planning your recovery around events. Read pre event vs post event massage to time sessions for the best effect.
What it feels like and what to expect after
Most people describe a productive pressure that feels targeted rather than sharp. The sensation can spread in a line or an arc which is useful feedback that we are on the right structure. After treatment you may notice easier movement, a lighter feeling and sometimes mild soreness that settles within 24 to 48 hours.
Typical short term responses from Trigger Point Therapy within Myofascial release
- easier turning, bending or reaching
- reduced headache or jaw tension if the neck was treated
- a sense of warmth or looseness through the area
- temporary tenderness that fades with gentle movement
Returning from a strain. Use our step by step guide on how to speed up muscle strain recovery for loading and pacing that complement hands on care.
Who benefits from trigger point therapy within myofascial release
If these examples feel familiar, trigger point therapy with myofascial release can ease your pain and help you move more freely.
Desk related neck and shoulder pain with tension headaches
Long hours at a laptop often irritate the upper trapezius, levator scapulae and suboccipitals. These trigger points can send pain to the temples or behind the eyes and make your neck feel stiff when you rotate. Gentle pressure on the neck and shoulders can release tension, ease headaches and make it easier to sit or stand with good posture.
Lower back discomfort linked to glutes, hip rotators and hamstrings
When the hips are tight, the lumbar spine does extra work. Trigger points in gluteus medius, piriformis, hamstrings and quadratus lumborum commonly refer pain to the low back or sacrum. Releasing these points and lengthening the surrounding fascia helps the hips share the load again. Expect easier hip hinge patterns, better standing tolerance and less morning stiffness.
Runners with calf or hamstring tightness that keeps returning
Recurrent tightness often hides sensitive points in soleus, gastrocnemius and the lateral hamstrings. These can limit ankle dorsiflexion and stride efficiency. Calf and posterior chain trigger point work, integrated with lower limb myofascial release, improves tissue elasticity and shock absorption. Pair this with sensible loading and cadence drills for steadier progress.
Forearm and biceps overuse from the gym or manual work
Heavy gripping and repetitive tasks can sensitise wrist flexors and extensors, brachialis and biceps, creating elbow pain on lifting or twisting. Targeted trigger point pressure followed by forearm fascial work reduces local tenderness and improves grip comfort. Many people notice cleaner pulling mechanics and less irritation during pressing movements.
Jaw tightness and upper back tension after long screen time
Clenched teeth and forward head posture can sensitise masseter, temporalis and the deep neck extensors. This often presents as jaw fatigue, ear area discomfort and a tight upper back. Gentle, precise trigger point work around the jaw and neck with supportive myofascial release helps regulate protective tone, making it easier to relax the jaw and sit tall without strain.
Stiffness after a minor injury once acute inflammation has settled
After the early phase, residual trigger points may keep the area guarded and sore. Careful pressure on the points and patient fascial lengthening improve circulation, reduce sticking between layers and restore controlled movement. Combine hands on treatment with gradual loading and the advice in how to speed up muscle strain recovery for durable results.
Benefits you can expect
- Faster relief as trigger points desensitise and blood flow improves
- Improved mobility through restored tissue glide and length
- Better muscle function with smoother recruitment and less guarding
- Fewer flare ups because linked restrictions are addressed, not just the sore spot
- Support for training by preparing tissues pre event and aiding recovery after
Self care between Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Release
- drink water regularly to support tissue recovery
- keep moving with gentle walks and simple mobility flows
- use heat for lingering stiffness if it feels soothing
- try light self release with a ball on soft tissue only, hold for 30 to 60 seconds
- progress training loads gradually to avoid re aggravating sensitive structures
When pain patterns persist or return quickly, a short block of myofascial release sessions is often the most efficient way to reset the system and maintain progress.
Final thoughts
Trigger points can be stubborn, yet they respond well when the fascia and the affected muscle are treated together. Myofascial release gently eases tight spots, helps your muscles move freely and makes your body feel more flexible. This means less pain, easier movement and better resilience for work, training and everyday life.
With Body Advance, your first session with a massage therapist focuses on what matters to you. We find the sore spots and treat them with gentle pressure you can handle. You will leave with effective aftercare and clear next steps so improvements continue between visits.
If you are ready to move past recurring knots and get back to what you enjoy, book a myofascial release appointment. A focused session can make a noticeable difference to how you feel and perform.