Feeling sore even after rest or stretching? Trigger point therapy in physio might be the missing piece to finally loosen those stubborn muscles and get lasting relief. So what is trigger point therapy in physio and how can it help you feel better and move more freely?
Trigger point therapy is a hands-on treatment used by physiotherapists to identify and release these painful knots. By applying focused pressure to specific areas, this technique relieves tension, improves circulation and restores normal muscle function.
In this guide, we’ll break down how trigger point therapy works, who it’s for and what to expect during treatment.
Quick Overview: What Is Trigger Point Therapy in Physio?
Trigger point therapy is a hands-on technique physiotherapists use to release tight, sensitive areas within your muscles that can cause both local and referred pain. Through direct, controlled pressure on these points, physios help relax muscle tension, improve circulation and restore natural movement patterns. This treatment is often part of a broader physiotherapy plan aimed at relieving pain, boosting flexibility and preventing recurring muscle tightness.
Relieve Muscle Pain with FlexiFit Physiotherapy
At FlexiFit Physiotherapy, we offer expert trigger point therapy as part of a personalised treatment plan. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, chronic pain or tension from daily stress, our skilled team can help you feel better, faster.
Call us on 02 8542 9507 or visit our Contact Us page to book your assessment and get started today.
What Are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are tight bands or knots within muscles that can cause:
- Localised pain
- Referred pain (pain felt in another area)
- Muscle stiffness
- Decreased range of motion
- Weakness or fatigue in the affected muscle
They often develop due to:
- Poor posture
- Muscle overuse or repetitive strain
- Injury or trauma
- Emotional stress or tension
- Lack of movement or poor ergonomics
These knots can be active (causing pain) or latent (painful when pressed) and may persist if not properly addressed.
How Does Trigger Point Therapy Work?
Trigger point therapy is typically performed manually by your physiotherapist. Here’s how it works:
1. Assessment and Palpation
Your physiotherapist begins by assessing the affected area to identify which muscles are tight or painful. Through palpation (careful touch), they locate active trigger points, which are small, firm knots that may reproduce your symptoms when pressed. This step helps determine the underlying cause of discomfort and guides the treatment plan.
2. Direct Pressure
Once the trigger points are located, firm and sustained pressure is applied using the therapist’s fingers, knuckles or specialised tools. The sensation can be tender or slightly uncomfortable, but it should remain within your tolerance level. This pressure helps interrupt the pain cycle and encourages the muscle fibres to release.
3. Release and Relaxation
As pressure is maintained, the affected muscle begins to relax and soften. The process then improves local blood flow, reduces tension and allows the body’s natural healing response to take effect. Many patients notice a decrease in pain and an increased sense of ease or warmth in the treated area.
4. Stretching and Movement
After the release, your physiotherapist may guide you through gentle stretches or mobility exercises. These movements help lengthen the muscles, maintain flexibility and prevent the trigger points from returning. Incorporating these stretches into your routine supports long-term muscle health and better movement patterns.
Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy provides a range of benefits, including:
- Pain relief – Helps alleviate both local and referred pain
- Improved mobility – Restores natural movement by releasing tight muscles
- Reduced muscle tension – Eases chronic tightness caused by posture or stress
- Injury prevention – Corrects imbalances that could lead to strain or overuse injuries
- Faster recovery – Enhances circulation and healing in affected areas
Common Conditions Addressed with Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions:
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Tension headaches
- Lower back pain
- Sciatica or piriformis syndrome
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Hip or gluteal pain
- Shin splints
- TMJ (jaw tension)
It’s often used alongside other physiotherapy treatments, such as dry needling, exercise therapy or postural training.
What to Expect During a Trigger Point Therapy Session
Here’s what typically happens during your session at FlexiFit Physiotherapy:
1. Initial Assessment
We discuss your symptoms, perform movement tests and identify possible trigger points.
2. Manual Therapy
Targeted pressure is applied to affected muscles using firm, controlled techniques. You may feel a ‘release’ or slight soreness, similar to deep tissue massage.
3. Movement and Advice
You’ll receive personalised advice, gentle exercises or stretches to maintain results and prevent future tension build-up.
4. Aftercare
Mild soreness post-treatment is normal and typically fades within 24–48 hours. Staying hydrated and moving gently can help support recovery.
How Trigger Point Therapy Differs from Dry Needling
Although both trigger point therapy and dry needling target the same muscle knots, they use different approaches. Trigger point therapy involves applying manual pressure to release muscle tension, while dry needling uses thin needles inserted into trigger points to elicit a twitch response. Your physiotherapist may recommend one or both techniques depending on your condition, preferences and recovery goals.
Is Trigger Point Therapy Right for You?
You may benefit from trigger point therapy if you:
- Experience chronic muscle pain or tension
- Have reduced mobility or flexibility
- Suffer from tension-related headaches
- Perform repetitive activities or sit for long periods
- Are recovering from injury or managing stress-related tightness
Final Thoughts
So, what is trigger point therapy in physio? It’s a powerful, hands-on technique that targets the root of muscle pain, providing relief, restoring movement and helping you feel more like yourself again. Whether you’re recovering from injury or dealing with everyday tension, trigger point therapy can play a key role in your wellness and performance.