Learn about "trigger points"

Probably some of you have listened to professionals in physical therapy or sports experts to make mention of trigger points; but I'm sure the majority of the population has never heard of that term, so if you're one of those, this will interest you.

A trigger point is a palpable, tense and painful nodule located in the muscle fiber that is popularly known as contracture.

It is important to mention that trigger points can be found in any muscle in the body after having performed some intense physical activity, muscle strengthening or even after a conventional training.

When we talk about athletes, it is very important to treat those painful trigger points ON TIME by professionals, in order to prevent the injury from evolving towards a muscle fibers rupture.

Professional in physical therapy usually perform a treatment that consists of manual techniques such as myofascial release, isolated pressures of pain points and even stretching.

Here are some helpful and effective tips that can help us treat trigger points from home:

1. Pressing on pain points and holding them steadily until relief is felt, this can take between 10 and 30 seconds. You can use foam roller or a tennis ball for this.

2. Perform deep stretches of the affected area and hold each position in approximately 20 seconds.

3. Use hot or cold compresses; this will depend on the recommendation of the physiotherapist for each particular case.

Gladiators remember that it is very important to treat any abnormal pain on time with a professional. Injuries are not always treated in the same way.

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