Pressure point massage might be a massage therapy to think about trying if you’ve ever felt pain that resulted from inflammation or another kind of trauma. Trigger points are used to treat pain in this style of massage therapy. You should learn more about pressure-point massage and how it may relieve pain before discussing it with your massage therapist.

What is Pressure Point Massage?

The goal of a trigger point or pressure point massage is to locate the pain-causing trigger points and apply focused pressure to them in order to help the pain release and be relieved.

Pain brought on by muscle overuse, inflammation, injury, poor posture, electrolyte imbalances, infections, or nerve damage may be relieved by using this massage technique.

Pressure point massage is based on the notion that the body frequently refers pain to another area of the body. Bursitis is a condition that causes pain like this. For instance, an inflamed trigger point in the back may cause excruciating shoulder pain.

The goal of a pressure point massage is to target specific trigger points, which are tender to the touch and are frequently found far from the area of pain. The massage therapist applies firm pressure to these trigger points, which are often located far from the area of pain, to give the client relief. The initial issue can be alleviated or even cured by pressing firmly on the trigger point while combining other massage techniques.

Pressure point massage can help with a variety of physical ailments that cause unexplained pain, such as stiff shoulders, sore knees, headaches, foot pain, and so forth.

Getting Started

It’s crucial to be persistent and patient when using acupressure for self-massage. While results might not be seen right away, regular massage can lessen both pain and the risk of recurrence.

When using acupressure:

• Give yourself some time.
• Choose a comfortable position to sit or to lie down.
• Breathe deeply, unwind, and close your eyes.
• Use firm, deep pressure in a small rotating or
  up-and-down movement.

How to Massage Your Pressure Points

For Shoulder Pain

Stress is frequently the cause of neck and shoulder pain, which can also result in tension headaches. In order to relieve shoulder pain, Dr. Moreau recommends applying pressure to a number of pressure points, starting with one of the most popular ones.

The first and easiest to find is between the web of the thumb and the first finger

1. Press with a firm pressure until you feel a mild
   ache.
2. Hold for five seconds.
3. Release, then repeat three more times.

For Lower Back Pain

According to Moreau, there are two principal pressure points that are effective for treating lower back pain. The first is on your waist:

1. Stand up and lightly grab your waist with both
   hands so that your thumbs wrap around your back.
2. With your thumbs in place, apply a circular
   motion using firm pressure for a count of five seconds.
3. This should be done three times.

Moreau says you can also find a pressure point to relieve low back pain about midway up your calf muscle:

1. Using the same circular motion and pressure,
   hold for five seconds.
2. Release, then repeat two more times.

For Sinus Pain

According to Moreau, the area directly between your eyebrows is the best place to start treating sinus pressure and pain. He advises you to apply pressure here for five seconds with a circular motion using either your thumb or index finger.

Apply the same circular motion to the second point, which is at your temples.

You can also use your fingers to make a line from your temples to either side of your nostrils. Put pressure here for five seconds in a circular motion.

For each pressure point, Moreau advises using this pressure technique, keeping the pressure firm but not painful.

What is the Difference Between Trigger and Pressure Point Massage?

It’s basically the same thing to massage pressure points and trigger points. Inflammation or trauma in another part of the body can cause pain, which is why the term “trigger point massage” was coined. The phrase “pressure point massage” draws attention to the fact that the treatment involves applying pressure to the right points on the body to help the pain be relieved.

A pressure point massage can help with trigger-point-based pain because it is made to locate the trigger points and apply pressure to help these areas relax, which in turn heals the area that is experiencing pain.

What to Expect With a Pressure Point Massage

The potential for pain relief is the main advantage of pressure point massage. Pressure point massages can produce a successful, long-lasting healing result by addressing the problem at its source.

Before beginning, the massage therapist will first evaluate your injury or pain problem and talk with you about the best types of treatment. The massage therapist will apply pressure for up to 60 seconds to the identified trigger points during the pressure point massage, but the duration of each pressure application may only last 10 seconds, depending on the situation.

When the massage therapist presses the appropriate trigger points, you may experience spasms or pain during the procedure. A skilled massage therapist will be able to exert just the right amount of pressure without overstimulating the trigger point.

Pressure point massages are not handled the same by every massage therapist. Before using trigger point massage to relieve and release the problem, some massage therapists will first work around the problematic area. In addition to making for a gentler approach, this ensures that you have released all associated muscle groups.

You might only need a few treatment sessions, depending on your particular pain problem. It could be a complementary technique used in conjunction with other massage techniques if you have severe pain or a chronic condition that requires more treatments spaced out over months or longer. Additionally, your pressure point massage treatment plan may be administered in conjunction with physiotherapy, medication, and other types of medical care.

Depending on your particular pain issue, you might experience faster pain relief and healing with a massage therapist who has experience with trigger point massage.

Want to Learn How to Perform a Trigger Point Massage?

Since 1997, Discover Massage has been assisting students across Australia in obtaining their massage certifications and developing their professional confidence. Our school offers excellent value for money, high-quality, hands-on training in a friendly and enjoyable environment through the more than 60 massage courses we deliver each year.

Final Tips on Acupressure

These exercises can be performed several times each day, but Moreau advises taking a break if your body has any tender points. He advises applying light pressure initially and then gradually increasing the pressure.

Pain sensations like those mentioned above are frequently brought on by stress and tension. For these strategies to be most effective, it’s critical to unwind and reduce stress in your life. You can always ask a friend or family member for assistance if you find relaxing and self-massaging at the same time challenging.

FAQs

Tags: Massage, Pressure Points