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I've never really paid much heed to chat about 'trigger points' as it always seemed (to me) to occupy that murky ground between proven science and bunkum, but recently I've been going through a lot of glute medius/hip flexor issues, and right enough, if I get a tennis ball in to just the right spot it can be startlingly painful, but then ease off after a minute or so. The location seems pretty much exactly where the trigger points for that muscle are supposed to be, so that ties up at least.
I did some more reading and the articles I read all seemed to correlate to my experiences (tired/overworked muscles that basically end up permanently tight and weak).
I've got a physio appointment coming up in a week or so but just wondering if I should continue kneading away at them to see how much release I can.
Anyone else dealt with trigger points, is it legit 'physio'?
I have only done a bit on myself but my physio is specialised in myofacial release and trigger points.
I have found they do work, what is really fascinating is teaching where sensations go when they work on a trigger. I frequently have sensations in my jaw from lower in my back.
I don't think it will hurt domiciliary exercises yourself but def don't do them the day of your appt
I started getting hamstring issues in my right leg at the end of Jan this year. It caused me no end of problems and anxiety for months and I just couldn't get it to behave properly, with no access to physios or anything during lockdown. Anyway by accident I found a trigger point ball which I'd bought years ago and completely forgot that I had it. I spent the next few days with it stuck under my leg on the point where the pain was, moving it around the area for about 15min a couple of times a day. 15min at breakfast and 15min at lunch. Miraculously my hamstring was magically fixing itself and after about 10days what had been bothering me for months was completely gone.
Trigger points are definitely a "thing" and every physio or sports massage therapist I've seen uses them.
One physio offered to treat my ITB problem via acupressure or acupuncture. As I don't like needles, I went for pressure. She stuck her thumb on the first trigger point and pushed till it released.
After I'd come down off the ceiling, we went for the needles, which was not as bad.
Yep, the wife has just done her diploma in sports massage and trigger points definitely work. I was non the wiser as to whether they were bunkem or not, they just seem to work.
Cupping however I find complete nonsense, it just leaves you looking like you've picked a fight with the wrong octopus.
Been having myofascial release done for years using "trigger points" both pressure and acupuncture.
Exquisite agony and works bloody miracles.
Cupping is great. After a heavy massage it's fantastic, a real rush. Maybe you've not been getting it done properly.
Thanks folks, my right hip is still feeling better after my wee session yesterday, so far so good! I read it was better to work them little and often so will have another wee go tomorrow, sadistically looking forward to it! 😁