Muscle knots or trigger points are tissues/segments of muscle fibers stuck in a contracted state and balled up or become entangled. To the touch, they can feel like small bumps, nodules, or knots. They are primarily found in muscles, but they can also be found in tendons, fascia, periosteum, and ligaments. Tight muscles can limit flexibility, increase discomfort and pain symptoms, and cause further injury that can develop into chronic conditions. Trigger points can develop in all muscles and multiple muscles simultaneously. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Team can create a personalized treatment plan for trigger point alleviation.
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When muscle fibers are stuck in contraction, blood circulation decreases in and around the affected area, and the necessary nutrients and oxygen cannot be delivered. The excessive accumulation of the chemicals – acetylcholine, and calcium leads to a lack of oxygen in the area, which causes muscle fiber contraction and spasms. As the muscle fibers overly contract, they form a knot. Waste materials build up in the fibers as the blocked circulation doesn’t allow removal. This irritates the trigger point, which reacts by sending out pain signals. The brain responds by telling the body not to use that muscle, causing the muscle to tighten, become weak, and lose range of motion. The other muscles have to work harder to compensate.
The main causes include the following:
Chiropractic and therapeutic massage is an effective treatment to relieve muscle knots and symptoms and restore the body to optimal function. Massage uses various techniques to increase blood circulation, break down inflexible scar tissue and stretch and loosen muscles. Pain and discomfort decrease by allowing the muscles to move and restoring blood flow.
Barbero, Marco, et al. “Myofascial pain syndrome and trigger points: evaluation and treatment in patients with musculoskeletal pain.” Current Opinion in Supportive and palliative care vol. 13,3 (2019): 270-276. doi:10.1097/SPC.0000000000000445
Cheung, Karoline, et al. “Delayed onset muscle soreness: treatment strategies and performance factors.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 33,2 (2003): 145-64. doi:10.2165/00007256-200333020-00005
Money, Sarah. “Pathophysiology of Trigger Points in Myofascial Pain Syndrome.” Journal of Pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy vol. 31,2 (2017): 158-159. doi:10.1080/15360288.2017.1298688
Moraska, Albert F et al. “Responsiveness of Myofascial Trigger Points to Single and Multiple Trigger Point Release Massages: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” American Journal of physical medicine & Rehabilitation vol. 96,9 (2017): 639-645. doi:10.1097/PHM.0000000000000728
Weerapong, Pornratshanee, et al. “The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery, and injury prevention.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 35,3 (2005): 235-56. doi:10.2165/00007256-200535030-00004
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The information herein on "Muscle Knots - Trigger Points: El Paso Back Clinic" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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