Trigger point therapy is one of the parts of massage therapy I feel most passionate about because I get to help people move from pain and restriction back into ease and freedom in their bodies. I love the detective work involved, listening to a client’s story, finding the exact spot referring pain elsewhere, and watching their relief when pressure releases tension they didn’t realize was connected. It’s incredibly rewarding to see someone arrive with headaches, shoulder tightness, or low-back discomfort and leave feeling lighter, looser, and more in control of their body.

Trigger points, often called “knots,” are small, hyper-irritable spots within a tight band of muscle fibers. They can feel like tender nodules and may cause local pain or refer discomfort to other areas of the body. They often develop from repetitive movements, poor posture, stress, injury, overuse, or prolonged static positions, which is why they are common in desk workers, athletes, parents carrying young children, tradespeople, and anyone under chronic physical or emotional stress.

With targeted treatment, trigger points can soften, release, and become less reactive. Massage therapy, movement correction, stretching, strengthening, hydration, and stress management all support lasting relief. While they can return if contributing habits persist, education and body awareness empower clients to prevent recurrence and maintain comfort long after their session ends.

Helping clients understand their pain and feel the moment a trigger point releases is one of the most satisfying aspects of my work, because it reminds them that their body is capable of change, healing, and relief.