Understanding Trigger Points: What They Are & How Physical Therapy Helps

Trigger points—often called muscle knots—are tight, sensitive spots found in your muscles. These points can cause pain right where they form, but they can also refer pain to other parts of the body. This is why a knot in your shoulder might cause headaches, or a tight hip muscle might send pain down your leg.

What Causes Trigger Points?

Trigger points can form from:

• Poor posture

• Stress and tension

• Muscle overuse

• Injuries

• Repetitive motions at work or in sports

When a muscle becomes stressed or irritated, the fibers can contract and stay stuck in a tightened position. This restricts blood flow and creates the pain and stiffness most people describe as a “knot.”

Common Symptoms

You may have trigger points if you experience:

• Tight, stiff muscles

• Pain that radiates to other areas

• Headaches or jaw tension

• Limited range of motion

• Tender spots that hurt when pressed

How Physical Therapy Treats Trigger Points

At Gilead Physical Therapy, we use a variety of treatments to release trigger points and restore normal movement, including:

• Dry Needling

• Manual Therapy

• Shockwave Therapy

• Therapeutic Exercise

• Traction / Decompression Therapy

• Red Light Therapy

Releasing trigger points helps improve circulation, reduce pain, and restore normal muscle function—so you can move better and feel better.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Ignoring trigger points can lead to chronic pain patterns, compensation injuries, and poor posture. Getting treated early can prevent long-term muscle dysfunction and improve healing.