{"id":64,"date":"2018-01-22T03:14:28","date_gmt":"2018-01-22T03:14:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/?p=64"},"modified":"2023-07-04T01:02:19","modified_gmt":"2023-07-04T01:02:19","slug":"what-are-trigger-points","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/what-are-trigger-points\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Myofascial Trigger Points? (And 5 Ways To Release Them)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Trigger points (<em>or Myofascial Trigger Points<\/em>)<\/strong> are one of the most painful and lingering conditions resulting from Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS).<\/p>\n<p>Myofascial pain syndrome refers to a focal hyper-irritability of muscle tissue that typically presents with a variety of clinical features including referred pain, decreased joint range of motion, and trigger points (the subject of this article).<!--more--><\/p>\n<p>You might be asking yourself, <strong>what are trigger points<\/strong>? Well, if you\u2019ve ever had a \u201cknot\u201d, you\u2019ve likely had a trigger point.<\/p>\n<p>Continue reading to learn about these pesky little points and discover ways that you can treat them yourself&#8230;<\/p>\n<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #2e88a7;\">What Are Myofascial Trigger Points?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Trigger points are defined as exquisitely tender spots that can be felt in discrete taut bands of hardened muscle tissue that produce localized and\/or referred pain, that are associated with a twitch response.<\/p>\n<p>In simpler terms, a trigger point is basically a small muscle knot.<\/p>\n<p>If you try to feel the trigger point, it can feel like a little pea under your finger, that is located deep in the muscle belly.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll also likely feel a tight band of tissue surrounding the trigger point. If your sense of touch is good, you may also feel the twitch response when you press on the trigger point.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/what-is-trigger-point.png\" alt=\"what is a trigger point\" width=\"740\" height=\"387\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/what-is-trigger-point.png 740w, https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/what-is-trigger-point-300x157.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Trigger points are classified as either latent or active, depending on their clinical characteristics.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">Active trigger points<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Typically cause pain at rest<\/li>\n<li>On palpation cause a referral of pain (pain is felt away from the site of the trigger point)<\/li>\n<li>The pain is typically described as \u201cspreading\u201d, \u201ctraveling\u201d or \u201cradiating\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">Latent trigger points<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Does not cause spontaneous pain<\/li>\n<li>May limit movement or cause muscle weakness<\/li>\n<li>You may not be aware that there is a trigger point until pressure is applied directly over the area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">What do trigger points feel like?<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Chronic <strong>myofascial trigger points<\/strong> can feel like a &#8220;sharp&#8221; stabbing type of pain&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/what-trigger-points-feel-like.png\" alt=\"myofascial trigger points feel like\" width=\"740\" height=\"387\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-409\" srcset=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/what-trigger-points-feel-like.png 740w, https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/what-trigger-points-feel-like-300x157.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Individuals that have trigger points typically report persistent localized pain that is often associated with a decreased range of motion in the affected area.<\/p>\n<p>Although trigger points can occur anywhere in the body, muscles involved in maintaining body posture are most often affected, particularly the muscles of the neck, upper back, shoulders, and pelvic girdle.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">Common muscles that have trigger points include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Upper trapezius<\/li>\n<li>Rhomboids<\/li>\n<li>Scalene<\/li>\n<li>Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)<\/li>\n<li>Levator scapulae<\/li>\n<li>Quadratus lumborum<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">A major issue with trigger points is that they can:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cause intense pain symptoms<\/li>\n<li>Complicate pain symptoms<\/li>\n<li>Mimic other pain conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/self-massage-techniques\">Self Massage Techniques for 9 body parts<\/a><\/p>\n<p>To give you an idea of the extent of issues that can arise from trigger points, let\u2019s look at some common areas that are affected and what can happen\u2026<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\"><strong>Trigger Points In Different Parts of The Body:<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">Trigger points in the head and neck region can manifest as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Headaches<\/li>\n<li>Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)<\/li>\n<li>Temporomandibular joint pain (jaw pain)<\/li>\n<li>Eye symptoms<\/li>\n<li>Torticollis<\/li>\n<li>Referred upper extremity pain<\/li>\n<li>May mimic carpal tunnel syndrome and\/or tennis elbow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">Trigger points in upper and mid back can manifest as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pain between shoulder blades that feels like lingering stabbing.<\/li>\n<li>Pain can be felt at any moment &#8211; without any movement.<\/li>\n<li>Most likely contribute to a <a href=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/how-to-fix-rounded-shoulders-with-exercises\">rounded shoulder posture<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Restricted range of motion in the back and shoulders<\/li>\n<li>Chronic neck pain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">Trigger points in the shoulder and chest can manifest as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Chest pain, shoulder pain and radiating arm pain that extends to the elbow, and in some cases the ring finger<\/li>\n<li>Contributing to <a href=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/fix-upper-back-pain-between-shoulder-blades\">pain in between the shoulder blades<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Pain in the breast and\/or hypersensitivity of the nipple<\/li>\n<li>Restricted arm range of motion<\/li>\n<li>Can mimic cardiac pain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">Trigger points in the lower back can manifest as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Band-like pain across the lower back and possibly stomach area<\/li>\n<li>Severe pain upon standing<\/li>\n<li>Severe pain with coughing or sneezing<\/li>\n<li>Pain with standing and\/or walking<\/li>\n<li>Pain when lying on the affected side<\/li>\n<li>Can produce an array of symptoms including nausea, heartburn and bloating<\/li>\n<li>Pain may resemble that seen with appendicitis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">Trigger points in the buttocks  (Gluteus maximus, Gluteus medius and Piriformis) can manifest as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Intense pain in the lower back<\/li>\n<li>Pain in hips area<\/li>\n<li>Pain worsens from sitting for long periods of time<\/li>\n<li>May mimic sciatica<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">Trigger points in the lower body (legs, feet) can manifest as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pain in the calf and quadriceps muscles<\/li>\n<li>Pain on the inside and outside of the Knee<\/li>\n<li>Tightness of muscles in the IT band region<\/li>\n<li>Limited knee and ankle range of motion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Aside from the pain that is experienced with trigger points, you may also have numbness, tingling, weakness, and a reduced range of motion. In cases of chronic pain, caused by trigger points, you may also experience depression.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f1efef; padding: 15px;\">\n<h2><span style=\"color: #2e88a7;\">Causes of Trigger Points<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When your muscles are injured or stressed they often form trigger points. The damage to the connective and muscle tissue can occur in several ways, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Repetitive overuse injuries (i.e. typing, gardening, home improvements, certain spots such as tennis and golf, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Prolonged loading on the body (i.e. heavy lifting, carrying babies, wearing backpacks or purses, etc.)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/how-can-poor-posture-result-in-back-pain\">Poor posture<\/a> (i.e. forward head posture, rolled shoulders, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Mental and emotional stress that results in muscle clenching<\/li>\n<li>Direct injury (i.e. sprain\/strain, falls, fractures, tears, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Prolonged inactivity (i.e. bed rest, prolonged sitting, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Sleep disturbances<\/li>\n<li>Surgical scars<\/li>\n<li>Spinal surgery and\/or joint replacement<\/li>\n<li>Nutritional deficiencies (i.e. vitamins B1, B6, B12, folic acid, and vitamin C)<\/li>\n<li>Structural abnormalities (i.e. leg length discrepancy)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><br=\"blank\"><br \/>\nKnowing the potential underlying <em>cause of your trigger points<\/em> is important to prevent their development and recurrence and also to eliminate existing trigger points.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #2e88a7;\"><strong>Trigger Point Release &#8211; 5 Best Ways<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for relief of trigger points, you may want to try these self-treatments that you can do from the comfort of your own home.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#e5e37c;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#fffd96;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<div class=\"su-row\"><div class=\"su-column su-column-size-1-2\"><div class=\"su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">Recommended Program:<br \/>\n<strong>The Complete Posture Fix (With Dr. Oliver)<\/strong><br \/>\nFix your Rounded shoulders &amp; Fwd Head posture, get out of pain and increase your mobility.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/the-complete-posture-fix\/?utm_source=Article&#038;utm_medium=RS-Bottom\" class=\"su-button su-button-style-default\" style=\"color:#FFFFFF;background-color:#d91900;border-color:#ae1400;border-radius:9px\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"color:#FFFFFF;padding:0px 24px;font-size:18px;line-height:36px;border-color:#e55e4d;border-radius:9px;text-shadow:none\"> Learn More<\/span><\/a> <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-column su-column-size-1-2\"><div class=\"su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"><a href=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/the-complete-posture-fix\/?utm_source=Article&amp;utm_medium=RS-Bottom\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2399\" src=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/CPF-Width250-Image.png\" alt=\"The Complete Posture Fix\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/CPF-Width250-Image.png 250w, https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/CPF-Width250-Image-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">1. Manual Trigger Point Massager<\/span><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Using-trigger-point-massager.png\" alt=\"trigger point massager\" width=\"740\" height=\"387\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-412\" srcset=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Using-trigger-point-massager.png 740w, https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Using-trigger-point-massager-300x157.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">Why this technique<\/span> \u2013 This handy massage tool can help to reach areas that are next to impossible to reach with other tools. Pressure applied to the muscles using the Theracane helps to maximize the flow of oxygenated blood to the muscles, which helps to restore normal muscle functioning by breaking up adhesions in the muscle fibers and tendons, thereby helping to reduce pain.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">How to do it<\/span> \u2013 Place the theracane knob in the area of the trigger point<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>use your opposite hand to exert pressure on the tool to apply pressure on the trigger point<\/li>\n<li>once sufficient pressure is attained move your arm back and forth to move the knob across the affected muscle<\/li>\n<li>follow up by pressing the knob directly on the trigger point and holding for 5 to 10 seconds,<\/li>\n<li>relax and repeat 5 times<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>** a few minutes of Theracane use on one or two trigger points is sufficient, don\u2019t overdo it or you\u2019ll be sore the next day<\/p>\n<p>**avoid using the theracane directly on your spine<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">2. Foam rolling<\/span><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Foam-rolling.png\" alt=\"foam roll\" width=\"740\" height=\"387\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-413\" srcset=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Foam-rolling.png 740w, https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Foam-rolling-300x157.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">Why this technique<\/span> \u2013 It\u2019s a safe and relatively easy exercise that puts pressure on the trigger point, helping it to release. Contrary to what you might think, it\u2019s the pressure that is applied, and not the rolling, that helps to release pesky trigger points.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">How to do it<\/span> \u2013 Place the foam roller around the area of the trigger point and:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>roll on the foam roller until you feel the right spot (it\u2019ll hurt a little)<\/li>\n<li>once you\u2019ve found the trigger point, stop and rest on the foam roller for about 10 to 20 seconds before moving to the next one<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>**make sure you\u2019re only applying pressure to muscles, avoid applying pressure to bones and joints.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">3. Massage Ball\/Tennis ball<br \/>\n<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Massage-ball.png\" alt=\"Massage ball for knots\" width=\"740\" height=\"387\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Massage-ball.png 740w, https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Massage-ball-300x157.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">Why this technique<\/span> \u2013 The goal of a massage ball is to apply pressure to a trigger point by essentially trapping it between your body and something else, such as the wall or floor. The point of using the ball is to reach spots that you\u2019re unable to get to with your hands, or with other tools and is most useful on trigger points in the back and hips.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">How to do it<\/span> \u2013 Place the massage ball around the area of the trigger point<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>lie down on it and explore the area by moving slowly until you\u2019ve found the right spot<\/li>\n<li>adjust to apply the right amount of pressure (you want it to be a strong pressure, but not so much that you\u2019re wincing in pain)<\/li>\n<li>relax as much as you can and wait for the sensation of pain to subside (this may take several seconds to a few minutes)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">4. Self massage<br \/>\n<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Self-Massage.png\" alt=\"self massage muscles\" width=\"740\" height=\"387\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Self-Massage.png 740w, https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Self-Massage-300x157.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">Why this technique<\/span> \u2013 It\u2019s a safe and easy maneuver for trigger points that you\u2019re able to reach and can be done anywhere without any equipment.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">How to do it<\/span> \u2013 First, locate the trigger point<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>using your finger tips gently rub the trigger point in a circular motion<\/li>\n<li>follow this by applying firm pressure, directly on the trigger point, for approximately 1 minute<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">5. Stretch trigger points<br \/>\n<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Stretching-trigger-points.png\" alt=\"stretch trigger points\" width=\"740\" height=\"387\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-416\" srcset=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Stretching-trigger-points.png 740w, https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Stretching-trigger-points-300x157.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">Why this technique<\/span> \u2013 Stretching, especially after doing some self release technique (above) will also lengthen the contracted knot and therefore release it. The key is knowing how to stretch the specific muscles in the right way.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: xx-large; color: #2e88a7;\">How to do it<\/span> \u2013 Find the muscle that has trigger points and figure out the best way to stretch that muscle. Most of the time it&#8217;s better to do static stretching where you would hold the stretch for at least 30 seconds at a time.<\/p>\n<p>If you suffer from trigger points, you\u2019re likely fed up with the nagging pain that they can cause. The good news is that there\u2019s no need to panic, using the self-treatments discussed above can help to release trigger points and get your pain under control.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#e5e37c;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#fffd96;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/products\/\">Check out our Premium Online Courses<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; Fix your posture, Get out of pain and Increase your mobility.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/products\/\" class=\"su-button su-button-style-default\" style=\"color:#FFFFFF;background-color:#d91900;border-color:#ae1400;border-radius:9px\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"color:#FFFFFF;padding:0px 24px;font-size:18px;line-height:36px;border-color:#e55e4d;border-radius:9px;text-shadow:none\"> Learn More<\/span><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Related:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/fix-upper-back-pain-between-shoulder-blades\">How to fix upper back pain<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/herniated-disc-exercises\/\">7 Herniated Disc Exercises<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/cat-and-cow-stretch\">How to stretch your spine &#8211; Cat &amp; Cow Pose<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/how-to-fix-forward-head-posture\/\">How to fix forward head posture<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/how-can-poor-posture-result-in-back-pain\/\">Poor posture causes<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/backintelligence.com\/how-to-fix-rounded-shoulders-with-exercises\">How to fix rounded shoulders with exercise<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sources:<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: small;\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4508225\/<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3440564\/<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/journals.lww.com\/ajpmr\/Abstract\/2016\/01000\/Assessment_of_Myofascial_Trigger_Points_Using.9.aspx<br \/>\nhttp:\/\/asjsm.com\/en\/articles\/21604.html<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/www.jospt.org\/doi\/full\/10.2519\/jospt.2011.3504<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Trigger points (or Myofascial Trigger Points) are one of the most painful and lingering conditions resulting from Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Myofascial pain syndrome refers to a focal hyper-irritability of muscle tissue that typically presents with a variety of clinical features including referred pain, decreased joint range of motion, and trigger points (the subject of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":212,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1319],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-64","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-massage","entry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Are Myofascial Trigger Points? 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