Trigger point therapy
Trigger point therapy uses manual pressure or related soft-tissue techniques directed to locally sensitive areas described within trigger-point frameworks. Assessment and pressure methods vary, and overlap with neuromuscular or deep-tissue work does not make those records synonymous.
How it is practiced
This record is limited to non-invasive manual work. A session is usually region-focused and may use sustained or repeated contact, with force, duration, and positioning adjusted to response and consent.
Diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols vary across studies. Pressure is not presented as permanently deactivating a “knot,” and dry needling, injections, or medical diagnosis sit outside this record.
- 01Screen and locate — Symptoms, red flags, scope, and a descriptive—not medical—palpation finding guide the plan.
- 02Consent and dose — The practitioner establishes a tolerable pressure, duration, and stop signal.
- 03Manual contact — Localized sustained or repeated pressure is applied while response is monitored.
- 04Reassess — The area and client response are rechecked without claiming permanent tissue change.
History and origins
Safety and considerations
No absolute contraindications specific to this technique are documented; general massage contraindications apply — acute systemic infection or fever, suspected thrombosis, and acute medical emergencies.[S20]
Training and professional context
Useful training addresses anatomy, pain science, palpation limits, dose, contraindications, consent, and referral. Manual trigger-point training does not authorize invasive procedures or medical diagnosis.
Whether this technique is within your scope depends on your profession, training, jurisdiction, and licensing board. Review the rules that apply where you practice.