Trigger points are tender, tight bands of muscle tissue that can refer pain and dysfunction to other areas in the body. There are two basic types of trigger points: active and latent. Active trigger points cause muscular pain and will often refer pain and tenderness to another area of the body when pressure is applied. Latent trigger point’s only exhibit pain when compressed. They do not refer pain to other areas of the body and are likely to be one of the causes of stiff joints and restricted range of motion.

Trigger point therapy is a bodywork technique first developed by Dr. Janet Travell in the USA in the 1940’s that involves applying pressure to trigger points in order to relieve referral pain. These techniques are performed together with other massage techniques to eliminate pain and to re-educate the muscles to perform pain-free habits.