What Causes Trigger Points?

THERE ARE SEVERAL CAUSES of trigger points.  These include direct trauma (an accident or injury), unusual exertion and repetitive strain.  Direct trauma involves impact, as from a fall, or an automobile or skiing accident.  Unusual exertion results from sudden effort, such as picking up a heavy box, or pulling hard on something that is stuck.  Repetitive strain trigger points, on the other hand, come from less intense use (or misuse) of a muscle that adds up over time.  Examples include habitually reading in a position that stresses the neck muscles, holding a musical instrument imperfectly, habitually slumping over a computer, or bending over to cut hair all day.  The repetitive strain category also includes abnormalities in the skeleton that activate certain muscles inappropriately, such leg length inequality or Morton's Foot.

This page is part of a larger website intended to educate people about trigger point bodywork and other methods of non-invasive, drug-free pain relief.  Myofascial therapy was developed by physicians in the last few decades.  Its primary purpose is to eliminate myofascial pain, but it also improves movement and posture.

I offer myofascial treatment and pain management services for the Somerville, Manville, Madison and Chatham area of central NJ, though I am not immediately nearby. If you live in a town such as Florham Park, Basking Ridge, Bedminster or Bound Brook NJ I would still be the closest certified therapist. Bridgewater, Liberty Corner, New Providence and Peapack NJ also fall into this category, as do Pluckemin, Raritan, Berkeley Heights and Bernardsville NJ, and much of the rest of New Jersey. Somewhat distant towns are mentioned because I have seen many times that people are glad to travel even several hours to get rid of pain. If you live elsewhere you may be able to find a practitioner nearby.

Copyright 2007 Joseph Hoane