Common Pain Patterns
Trigger points are hyperirritable spots on skeletal muscles. They cause local pain that may be referred to other parts of the body.
The examples below are only a few of the many pain patterns that exist. At your appointment, we will discuss your unique pain and create a massage tailored exclusively to you.
Trapezius “Traps” Pain Pattern
Nicknamed the ‘Stress Headache Producer,” trigger points in your upper shoulder muscles can cause headaches, neck aches, and even send pain down your back. Working at a desk or carrying stress in your shoulders are potential causes.
Gastrocnemius Pain Pattern
This muscle was nicknamed the ‘Calf Cramp Muscle,’ and can cause intense pain behind the knee joint and refer all the way down to the bottom of the foot. Calf workouts, wearing high heels, and standing for a long time on hard floors may contribute to this type of pain.
Rotator Cuff Pain Pattern
The rotator cuff (RTC) is made up of four muscle tendons, and the above image is an example of how RTC pain might manifest. These trigger points can cause referred pain all the way down the arm and into the fingers, and make participating in sports or reaching overhead difficult.
QL Pain Pattern
The quadratus lumborum, or QL muscle, can contribute to lower back and hip pain. Often overlooked, treating this muscle with neuromuscular massage may provide pain relief in the back, sides of the hip, and lower lateral abdomen. The QL may be aggravated by frequent bending, golfing, gardening, or postural distortions.
