Trigger points, or what society refers to as “knots” are small muscle contractions that present as palpable nodules within a tight band of muscle.
These nodules can create local pain or refer pain to another area of the body. For example, many people develop trigger points in the lower neck and shoulders that present as neck pain and tension headaches. These points restrict the muscle from moving through its full range of motion, resulting in pain and discomfort.
Trigger point therapy is an application of pressure to a nodule for 30 seconds or until pain has subsided to release the muscle restrictions.