Trigger Point Therapy

A trigger point is a small, hardened knot in a tense muscle that hurts under pressure and often refers pain to other parts of the body. Trigger point therapy releases these knots specifically through pressure and stretching – treating the cause rather than just the symptom.

Trigger points develop through overload, poor posture or stress. Within an affected muscle strand, a tiny bundle of fibres stays permanently contracted and is no longer properly supplied with blood. The hallmark is referred pain: a trigger point in the shoulder blade can cause headaches, one in the buttock can send discomfort down the leg. This is what makes trigger points hard to pinpoint – the site of pain is not always its source.

During treatment the therapist feels for the hardened spot and applies sustained, targeted pressure with a thumb, knuckle or tool for a few seconds until the muscle releases. This is complemented by stretching, fascia techniques or – in the specialised form – dry needling. The pressure can be briefly intense (a 'good hurt') but should always stay bearable. A session lasts 20 to 45 minutes depending on the area.

Trigger point therapy is used for tension headaches, neck and back pain, tennis elbow, shoulder complaints and hip or knee pain. After treatment the area may feel slightly sore for a day or two – this is normal. It is important to address the triggering factors (such as the office chair, one-sided strain or stress), otherwise the points return.

As part of physiotherapy, trigger point treatment is covered by basic insurance with a medical prescription. As medical massage with an EMR-recognised therapist it is often covered by supplementary insurance. Self-payers can expect roughly CHF 90 to 130 per hour (no guarantee).

Example

A graphic designer has suffered one-sided headaches for weeks, starting each morning. The therapist finds an active trigger point in the trapezius muscle of the neck that refers pain up to the temple. After targeted pressure, stretching and an adjustment of the screen height, the headaches subside within two weeks.

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Frequently asked

Why does the trigger point hurt somewhere else than expected?

Trigger points produce so-called referred pain: the hardened muscle knot sends pain along typical pathways to distant regions. That is why a point in the neck can cause headaches and one in the hip can cause leg pain.

How much does trigger point treatment cost?

As prescribed physiotherapy it is covered by basic insurance. As medical massage, supplementary insurance often covers part of it. Self-payers can expect roughly CHF 90 to 130 per hour (no guarantee), depending on region and training.

How many sessions are needed?

For fresh complaints, two to four sessions are often enough. Chronic or recurring trigger points take longer, because the underlying cause (posture, strain, stress) also has to be changed.

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