Understanding Myofascial Release and Trigger Point Therapy

Myofascial release, also known as trigger point therapy or pressure point therapy, is a hands-on treatment used by physical therapists to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore normal muscle function. This technique focuses on releasing tight areas within muscles and connective tissue that can restrict movement and cause discomfort.

During treatment, a trained physical therapist applies gentle yet sustained pressure to specific areas of tension, known as trigger points. In some cases, specialized tools may be used to assist with pressure application, depending on the patient’s needs and comfort.

How Myofascial Release Works

Your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves are surrounded by fascia—a thin but strong connective tissue that allows these structures to glide smoothly against one another. When healthy, fascia is flexible and adaptable. However, factors such as injury, stress, poor posture, repetitive movements, dehydration, or inadequate nutrition can cause the fascia to stiffen and lose elasticity.

When this happens, movement becomes restricted and pain may develop. Myofascial release works by gently relaxing areas of tight or restricted fascia, helping restore normal tissue mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall function. By addressing these restrictions, therapy can also help lower the risk of future injury.

What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are commonly described as “muscle knots”—tight, sensitive spots within muscle tissue that may feel dense, sore, or tender to the touch. These areas can develop anywhere in the body but are most often found in the shoulders, back, hips, and neck.

Trigger points may limit blood flow and oxygen to the affected area, leading to muscle spasms, stiffness, and discomfort. In some cases, pain from a trigger point can be felt in a different area of the body, a phenomenon known as referred pain. For example, an issue in one muscle or joint may create pain in a nearby or seemingly unrelated area.

Because trigger point pain may have underlying causes, a physical therapist’s assessment is essential for identifying the source of the problem and treating it effectively.

Conditions That May Benefit from Myofascial Release

Since fascia runs throughout the entire body, restrictions can affect many different systems. Myofascial release has been found helpful in managing a variety of conditions, including:

• Sciatica
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Whiplash-related injuries
• Osteoarthritis
• Frozen shoulder
• Headaches and migraines
• Neck and back pain
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  
  

What to Expect and How to Prepare

For your appointment, wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear—similar to what you would wear for light exercise. While some physical therapy sessions involve active movement, myofascial release is a manual therapy technique that allows you to relax while your therapist performs the treatment.

At your initial visit, your physical therapist will review your medical history and perform a comprehensive evaluation to better understand your symptoms and movement patterns. Based on this assessment, your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan, which may include myofascial release along with exercises, joint mobilization, and other evidence-based therapies.

The Importance of Hydration

Staying well-hydrated is an important part of recovery. Water supports tissue health and helps your body respond more effectively to both manual and active therapies. Patients are encouraged to drink fluids before and after treatment to support healing and optimize results.

Restoring Comfort and Movement

Myofascial release is a valuable tool in physical therapy for reducing pain, improving mobility, and addressing the root causes of muscle tension. When combined with a comprehensive therapy program, it can help patients move more freely, feel better, and return safely to daily activities.

Call to schedule your initial evaluation today! 

Our expert team of therapists at Reddy Care Physical, Occupational & Aquatic Therapy, with clinics across Long Island, Queens, and Manhattan are ready to help.

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Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2 

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.