Have you been using a range of different synthetic medications to ease issues such as chronic pain, recurring headaches, or work-related injuries? Perhaps you’re finding it challenging to deal with pregnancy and postpartum-related aches and pains.
Whether you’re dealing with one issue or several, you may already have found that regular medications aren’t designed to treat the underlying issue, but rather the daily symptoms. This means, if you’re looking for a more holistic approach, it may be time to opt for a visit to the Osteo Frankston locals are turning to for trigger point therapy.
What is Osteopathy?
Before we jump into the wonderful benefits of trigger point therapy, it’s essential to understand what osteopathy is. Essentially, osteopathy is a hands-on approach to various ailments that focuses on treating the whole person, not just the current symptoms.
This makes this approach holistic, and an osteopath focuses on assessing your whole body to establish the root cause of your pain. Hands-on techniques such as cupping, massaging, and trigger point therapy are key to creating long-term pain relief.
An osteopath will also make tailored suggestions and recommendations for lifestyle changes and exercises to help you sustain a healthier lifestyle. This will, in turn, make it easier to create effective pain management.
A few of the more common ailments that an osteopath may be able to assist you with can include the following:
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Headaches and migraines
- Neck stiffness and pain
- Hip and knee pain
- Shoulder pain
- TMJ or jaw pain
- Sciatica and back pain
- Sports injuries
- Chronic pain
Understanding Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy can be defined as a soft tissue therapy where an Osteopath applies specialised pressure to the trigger points in your body. These trigger points can be described as the sensitive knots in muscles that tend to cause the referred pain.
Trigger points are commonly a result of some of the following factors:
- Poor posture
- Injury or trauma
- Muscle overuse
- Emotional tension and stress
- Prolonged sitting or inactivity
Applying the right type of pressure to these points helps to release built-up tension, alleviate recurring pain, as well as restore muscle function. Effective trigger point therapy involves a few of the following techniques, such as:
- Manual pressure applied to the trigger points
- Various massage techniques
- Dry needling (cupping)
- Self-release techniques (use of massage balls and foam rollers to use at home)
Many Advantages to Opting for Trigger Point Therapy
If you’ve been dealing with your ailment for some time, then you may have already tried a number of different approaches. This may leave you wondering if trying yet another approach will make any difference. Fortunately, there are several benefits to speaking to your osteopath about trigger point therapy. Here are a few of the most significant ones.
1. Provides Pain Relief
The number one benefit of opting for trigger point therapy is its incredible ability to reduce and eliminate all types of pain. Techniques are designed to release muscle tension as well as the referred pain caused in the muscles by the trigger points. Regular treatment is advised for anyone dealing with sciatica, headaches, and jaw pain.
2. Enhances Circulation
Trigger points generally restrict blood flow to the affected areas. This not only delays healing but also increases pain. Applying specific pressure to the trigger points increases the stuck blood flow. You’ll see an increase in nutrient delivery to your muscles, which, in turn, promotes quicker healing.
3. Creates Muscle Balance and Better Posture
In addition to restricting blood flow, trigger points also cause imbalances throughout your body. This affects overall spine alignment and hampers your posture. To alleviate this, your massage therapist will recommend regular massage therapy on the trigger points. Over time, this will reduce muscle strain and improve balance and posture.
4. Helps with Stress Reduction and Boosts Relaxation
Many instances of muscle tension and trigger point formation can be attributed to stress. Trigger point therapy is effective at reducing different types of physical tension, which is typically caused by different types of stress.
This, in turn, promotes relaxation and increases your overall well-being. Your osteopath may also suggest that you combine your treatments with relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga.
5. Provides Relief for Chronic Pain Management
Suffering from chronic pain and associated ailments such as myofascial pain, lower back pain, or fibromyalgia can seriously hamper your daily quality of life. Trigger point therapy not only increases general flexibility and provides pain relief over time.
This type of therapy is an effective and necessary aspect of a comprehensive pain management programme. Your osteopath will also help you with additional lifestyle changes to make living with the condition easier.
Final Thoughts
Trigger point therapy is an effective treatment for a wide range of ailments and is suitable for people of all ages. With this hands-on therapy, you can look forward to increased circulation, pain relief, and stress reduction. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, you’ll only benefit from a few osteopathy sessions!