“Trigger point therapy” and “myofascial release” are phrases often used in conjunction with deep tissue massage and orthopedic massage. You may see them as stand-alone services in some spas or discussed in the broader massage arena. They’re sometimes used interchangeably, or simply mixed up with each other, which can be confusing, at best—but misleading at worst.
Trigger point therapy and myofascial release are two types of techniques used by massage therapists to help alleviate pain, restore range of motion, and correct postural imbalances. But what differentiates them? Let’s dive in…
Myofascial Release
What is Fascia?
Fascia is connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, organs, and joints. It’s a continuous, flexible structure throughout your body, connecting pretty much every part of it in some way. When the body experiences a trauma, the normally flexible fascia can become tight and rigid as a means of self-protection, but this can lead to pain and limitations in movement.
Myofascia refers specifically to the fascia surrounding the muscles (mya = muscle). Myofascial release targets that fascia, typically with the goal of reducing rigidity in a broader area of it, rather than in a localized spot.
How is Fascia “Released”?
To treat strained fascia, a therapist will apply pressure to it by lifting and rolling the skin, or apply pressure while moving a body part through a range of motion (this is called a “pin and stretch”). The goal behind this technique is to improve quality and range of motion, ideally resulting in decreased pain and improved posture and function.
“Cupping” is a popular technique that falls under the umbrella of myofascial release, but instead of applying pressure, the vacuum in the cup applies a sustained pulling force (sometimes referred to as a decompressive pressure) on the skin over a wider area than a massage therapist can achieve with just their hands.
Another example of myofascial release you may already be practicing on your own is foam rolling. The gentle, lengthening pressure applied by a foam roller can have similar effects as professionally administered myofascial release and is a great way to keep fascia supple and conditioned on a regular basis.
Trigger Point Therapy
What Are Trigger Points?
Trigger points (not to be confused with pressure points) are painful nodules or bundles of muscle fiber, typically caused by acute trauma or repetitive microtrauma to the muscle or fascia.
Sometimes called “myofascial trigger points,” trigger points can cause localized pain (even becoming tender to the touch), as well as referred pain elsewhere in the body. You may know this condition as a muscle knot.
How Are Trigger Points Treated?
During trigger point therapy, the massage therapist targets the nodule directly, applying sustained, direct pressure on it using their fingers, elbows, fists, or specialized tools. The pressure is applied until the area softens or gives way. The goal behind trigger point therapy is to release the bunched-up tension in the trigger point, ideally resulting in improved range of motion and decreased pain.
Sustained pressure isn’t the only way to target trigger points, though. Massage therapists can also use other massage techniques such as pin and stretch (described above), vibration techniques such as tapotement, and stretching techniques. Physical therapists also frequently target trigger points in their practice, often using tools and techniques such as dry needling, ultrasound, electrical stimulation. A percussion therapy device like a massage gun or a theracane are both popular ways to address trigger points on your own.
How Are These Techniques Incorporated Into Massage?
As deeper and more targeted techniques for addressing pain, range of motion, and even musculoskeletal injury, myofascial release and trigger point therapy are commonly applied in a deep tissue, sports, or orthopedic massage. The techniques are less common in gentler, relaxation-focused massages, such as Swedish or prenatal massage.
That being said, you should always communicate with your therapist about your goals and needs for any massage, and they will customize it for you. For example, if you mostly want a massage to unwind and let go of the day’s stress, but you also have a pesky knot in your shoulder, your therapist will gladly work on that trigger point while making sure you leave the session relaxed, restored, and as good as new.
You can experience trigger point therapy and myofascial release in the comfort of your own home: Book a Zeel massage today.