Myofascial release is a massage technique that focuses on the fascia. Trigger point therapy is a massage focusing on trigger points or knots in the muscle. Both techniques aim to release muscle tension and pain.
When it comes to soft tissue work, there are a variety of different modalities that practitioners can use to help their patients find relief.
Myofascial release and trigger point massage work together to provide their own therapeutic self-care effect on the body.
But what’s the difference between these two methods? Let’s take a closer look.
Myofascial Release vs. Trigger Point Therapy
If you want to ensure you’re getting the best treatment for your needs. There are so many different techniques and modalities that it can be tough to know which is right for you.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a massage that focuses on releasing the restrictions in your myofascial tissue.
This tissue is a web of connective tissue that runs throughout your body and surrounds your muscles.
When this tissue becomes tight or restricted, it can cause pain and inflammation. Myofascial release helps to release these restrictions, relieving pain and achieving optimal performance through improving mobility.
Myofascial release is soft tissue work focusing on releasing adhesions in the fascia.
Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds and supports the muscles in the body. When this deep tissue becomes restricted due to injury or trauma, it can lead to pain and dysfunction.
Trigger Point Therapy
It is a type of deep-tissue massage relieves pain by releasing tight muscle knots, known as trigger points.
These can cause referred pain—meaning they can cause pain in other parts of your body even though the knot is located in a different spot.
This therapy can help to release these knots and relieve muscle pain throughout your body.
On the other hand, Trigger point therapy focuses on muscle knot relief or “trigger points” that can cause pain and dysfunction.
By applying pressure to these areas, practitioners can help release the knots and relieve pain.
Trigger Point Therapy Kit
A massage ball is a great tool to target trigger points.
There are a variety of trigger point massage balls available that vary in size, firmness, and texture.
- Body Back Buddy trigger point massage tool comes with various attachments that you can use to target trigger points all over your body.
- Thera Cane triggers point massager- this tool is designed to help you reach trigger points that are difficult to access with your hands.
- BodyFlex Trigger Point Massage Kit has trigger point massage balls, an exercise guide, and a carrying case for physical therapy.
Choose the suitable trigger point therapy kit to get the most out of your self-care routine.
Trigger point therapy can provide significant pain relief and help you to achieve optimal performance.
The Benefits of Myofascial Release and Trigger Point Therapy
Myofascial release and trigger point therapy helps the entire body rebalance, and the results are immediate and effective:
- Acute and chronic back and joint pain
- Improve mobility and range of motion
- Skeletal and muscular issues ranging from the neck to the lumbar region
- Frozen shoulder / Shoulder pain
- Problems with the elbows and wrists
- Sprains of the knee and ankle
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Injury from Repetitive Strain
- Neck Pain and restrictions
- Sports-related injuries
- Sciatica
- Migraine/Sinusitis/Face Pain
- Asthma and other respiratory conditions
- Heartburn and Hernia
- Menstrual issues
- Digestive problems
Who Does It Benefit?
Everyone can benefit from myofascial release and trigger point therapy, whether you are an athlete, a weekend warrior, suffer from chronic pain, or just want to improve your mobility.
Chronic headache sufferers may benefit from myofascial release as well.
Massage on tightened muscles in and around the neck and head may help relieve headaches.
Some people may be candidates for myofascial release if they have venous insufficiency, which occurs when blood pools in the leg’s deep veins.
The blood pool in your legs stretches and eventually damages them when you have venous insufficiency. An aching and painful sensation in the affected leg is possible.
The myofascial release may be used with other treatments to reduce the pooling and pain caused by venous insufficiency.”
Suitable and ideal for Athletes, endurance athletes, extreme athletes, and those with chronic joint movement restrictions who would benefit from Myofascial stretching and load work.
The TriggerPoint Performance Collection is a managing therapeutic self-care program designed to empower athletes to improve flexibility, range of motion, and tissue strength while addressing muscle tightness.
This can effectively relieve pain and restore mobility for athletes interested in achieving optimal performances.
A more basic trigger point therapy course will suffice if only pressure point work is required.
What Can You Expect From Treatment?
Following your consultation, your therapist will check for tightened areas during the 60-90 minute session.
Both treatments will work these knots or stiff spots through the muscle and connective tissue with manual light pressure.
Your range of motion, tissue strength, circulation, and flexibility will also improve when you receive myofascial release therapy.
Because the treatment is so close to the source of your pain, you may experience some soreness or light pain during treatment.
However, your therapist will make every effort to alleviate any discomfort. It’s critical to communicate with your therapist about your concerns, overall health, and specific injuries so that they can tailor your treatment plan.
The specific techniques used during your treatment program will vary slightly to account for your progress toward your goals.
Conclusion
Both are effective massage techniques covering that relieve pain and tension.
A myofascial release is a good option for general pain relief. At the same time, trigger point therapy may be a better choice for those who experience tension headaches or want to improve their range of motion.
Myofascial release may be the right choice if you’re dealing with pain or restrictions in your myofascial tissue.
However, trigger point therapy may be better if you’re dealing with trigger points or referred pain.
Consult a licensed massage therapist to get the best possible treatment.
