💆‍♀️ The Power of Trigger Point Therapy: What Those “Knots” Really Mean

Ando Wellness | Trigger Point Therapy in Liverpool

You’ve probably heard someone say, “I’ve got a knot in my shoulder.”

You might’ve even felt it yourself—a tight, sore spot that won’t ease up no matter how much you stretch or rest. That painful area is likely what we call a trigger point, and trigger point therapy is one of the most effective hands-on ways to treat it.

At Ando Wellness Liverpool, we specialise in trigger point therapy, often used alongside sports massage, dry cupping, and acupuncture to release tension, improve mobility, and reduce pain.

Let’s explore what trigger points are, what causes them, and how treating them can help you feel stronger, more mobile, and pain-free.

🎯 What Are Trigger Points?

A trigger point is a hyper-irritable spot within a tight band of muscle tissue. They form when muscle fibers contract but fail to release, cutting off blood flow and trapping waste products. This leads to local tenderness—and sometimes, referred pain.

For example:

• A trigger point in your shoulder might cause aching down your arm

• A trigger point in your neck might give you headaches

• A trigger point in your glutes might feel like sciatic nerve pain

They’re often mistaken for general tightness or even nerve issues, but with the right manual therapy, they can be directly released.

🧠 The Science Behind Trigger Points

Trigger points aren’t just a massage myth. They’re well documented in research and clinical practice.

Here are 3 key studies and findings to support how and why trigger point therapy works:

1. Travell & Simons’ Myofascial Pain Theory (1999)

Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons—considered pioneers in this field—mapped out the connection between trigger points and referred pain patterns. Their research led to the development of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy, which is still a clinical gold standard today.

📚 Reference: Travell JG, Simons DG. “Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual”

2. 2015 Systematic Review (International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy)

This review evaluated 23 clinical studies and found that manual trigger point therapy reduced pain intensity and improved range of motion in both acute and chronic cases—especially for neck, shoulder, and low back pain.

📚 Source: Cummings, T. M., & White, A. R. (2015). Myofascial trigger point therapy: a systematic review.

3. Trigger Points in Athletes – Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies (2017)

A study found that athletes treated with dry needling and manual trigger point therapy experienced quicker recovery, reduced fatigue, and improved performance during strength and endurance training phases.

📚 Reference: Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., et al. (2017)

🧘‍♀️ What Causes Trigger Points?

Trigger points often form as a result of:

• Repetitive movement or overuse (e.g. running, lifting, typing)

• Poor posture (especially forward head, rounded shoulders)

• Stress and anxiety (which keeps muscles in a contracted state)

• Muscle trauma or injury

• Prolonged immobility or lack of recovery after training

If untreated, trigger points can cause chronic pain and even mimic nerve-related conditions like sciatica, carpal tunnel, or tension headaches.

💆‍♂️ How Does Trigger Point Therapy Work?

Trigger point therapy involves direct pressure on the affected area—holding and releasing the point until the muscle relaxes and blood flow is restored.

At Ando Wellness, our approach might include:

• Manual pressure using fingers, elbows, or tools

• Deep tissue massage to release surrounding tension

• Dry cupping to lift and decompress fascia and muscle fibers

• Acupuncture or dry needling to deactivate deep trigger points

You may feel a temporary ache or twitch in the area during treatment—but this is a sign the point is releasing.

Afterward, most clients feel:

• Improved range of motion

• Less tension or pain

• Better posture

• Decreased stress and anxiety

🔁 Who Can Benefit from Trigger Point Therapy?

You don’t need to be an athlete to benefit. We treat a wide range of clients including:

• Office workers with neck and shoulder tension

• Runners and gym-goers with tight calves or glutes

• People with jaw tension or TMJ dysfunction

• Individuals recovering from sciatica, tendonitis, or chronic back pain

• Clients dealing with fibromyalgia or stress-related tension

📍 Trigger Point Therapy in Liverpool

At Ando Wellness, we combine modern techniques with a whole-body approach. We always assess posture, movement habits, and stress levels so your treatment isn’t just about quick fixes—it’s about long-term relief.

Many of our clients say they had no idea their chronic pain was actually coming from a trigger point—and that a single treatment made more impact than weeks of stretching or foam rolling.

💡 Tips to Prevent Trigger Points Between Treatments:

• Stay hydrated

• Stretch gently after long periods of sitting or training

• Use a foam roller or massage ball (we can show you how!)

• Try deep breathing or meditation to reduce tension

• Book regular sports massage to keep muscles healthy

🧾 Final Thoughts: Release the Knots, Reclaim Your Body

Trigger points can quietly limit your movement and zap your energy—but with the right care, you can release them and feel back in control of your body.

Want to find out if your pain is coming from a trigger point?

Let’s assess it together.

📅 Book a Trigger Point Therapy session in Liverpool today

📍Ando Wellness | Holistic massage and recovery for everyone