Trigger Points 101: What They Are & How We Release Them at Defiance Massage

If you've ever felt a stubborn knot in your neck or a tender spot that radiates pain, you've likely encountered a trigger point. These small, hyperirritable areas in muscle tissue can cause discomfort, limit mobility, and even refer pain to other parts of the body.

At Defiance Massage, we specialize in identifying and treating these trigger points to help restore movement and relieve tension.

So, what exactly is a trigger point?

Trigger points are tight bands within muscle fibers that form from overuse, poor posture, stress, or injury. They often feel like small lumps or knots, and pressing on them can cause pain not only at the site but also in surrounding areas—a phenomenon known as referred pain.

How we release them

At Defiance, our licensed massage therapists use a combination of techniques, including:

• Targeted pressure (ischemic compression): Applying direct pressure to deactivate the trigger point

• Deep tissue massage: To break up tension and improve blood flow

• Stretching and movement-based techniques: To lengthen and retrain the muscle

  
  

We don’t just chase symptoms—we get to the root cause of your discomfort. Whether you're dealing with chronic tightness, tension headaches, or athletic overuse, releasing trigger points can be a game changer.