When I tell a client they have a knot in their muscles, they often ask me, “What is a Knot?” You may be wondering the same thing. Having a knot in your muscles is a general term that people throw around, but what is actually going on inside of your body to form the knot?
Myofascial Trigger Points
The scientific term for muscle knots is myofascial trigger points. They occur where there is a tear in the muscle, often from overuse or trama. Oxygen and blood is cut off from the area of the muscle and a knot is formed. These areas are tender to touch and often cause referred pain, which is where you feel pain in another area of the body. Trigger points are activated and become painful by repetitive motion, lack of motion, overstimulation, injury, dehydration and illness just to name a few things.
Trigger Point Therapy
If you’ve ever had a massage you may have noticed your therapist stopping on a knot and holding pressure on it. This is trigger point therapy. Trigger point therapy has been around for over 50 years, and research continues to improve the way massage therapists use trigger point therapy to treat knots. The therapy works by breaking adhesions in the muscle band, loosening the tissue, and increasing the circulation. It should be noted that once a trigger point is released, it needs preventative care to keep from being reactivated. Regular massages, stretching, strength training and several other combinations of care are necessary to keep the knots from coming back.
Our massage therapists are equipped with the best knowledge to provide you with a relaxing and rejuvenating massage experience. To schedule a massage at Z Salon, call 502.426.2226 or contact us here!
I have always wondered what a “knot” in my back actually was. It is cool that the idea behind trigger point therapy is increasing circulation to that muscle. I can see how important preventative care is when it comes to your muscles. Thanks for the info!
Very beneficial information !! It really works.
Thanks to the article Getting Rid of Knots: Trigger Points and Massage Therapy. It is really helpful for people who have a lower back pain problem and to those who want to become healthier and happier.
I have noticed my therapist working more points on my body than others. I never realized that is was a trigger point that needed more attention. I didn’t know a knot was formed from a lack of oxygen and blood, that is interesting.
I would love to try out trigger point therapy. There are a lot of knots in my back that my husband just can’t help with. It may take actually skilled hands to get those spots I need. You say that this method is performed by holding down the knot?
I didn’t know the real term for “knot” was Myofascial Trigger Point. I’ve never been to a professional, but growing up in a family that runs a lot, we’ve figured a little out on our own. Knots are pretty easy to find, and it’s pretty painful when someone just presses on it for a while. I’ve almost been in tears from the pain. In the long run, it’s worth it though.