What is a Trigger Point?
A trigger point is a sensitive area within muscle or related soft tissue that may be associated with localized discomfort as well as symptoms experienced in another area of the body. This phenomenon is commonly described as referred pain.
Myofascial trigger points and their associated referred-pain patterns have been extensively documented in clinical literature and continue to be studied in musculoskeletal care.
Understanding these patterns can help healthcare professionals evaluate how muscles and surrounding soft tissues may contribute to a patient's symptoms and movement limitations.
Trigger Points and Referred Pain
One of the distinguishing characteristics associated with myofascial trigger points is that the location where a person experiences discomfort may not always be the same location as the involved muscular tissue.
For example, certain muscles of the neck and shoulder region may be associated with symptoms that extend into other areas. For this reason, evaluation may involve looking beyond the immediate location of discomfort and considering muscle function, movement, posture, joint mechanics, and surrounding tissues.
These relationships are one reason a thorough examination is important before determining an appropriate course of care.
Trigger Point Therapy in Chiropractic Care
Trigger point and other soft-tissue methods may be incorporated into chiropractic care when appropriate for the individual patient.
While chiropractic adjustments primarily address joints and their function, soft-tissue techniques focus on muscles and related tissues. Evaluating both may provide the chiropractor with a broader understanding of the patient's musculoskeletal presentation.
At Immaculate Chiropractic, Dr. Immaculate “Mac” Orlando, DC, evaluates each patient individually before recommending care. Trigger point methods may be used alongside chiropractic care as part of an individualized treatment approach when clinically appropriate.
What to Expect
Your visit begins with an evaluation rather than a predetermined treatment.
Dr. Mac will discuss your concerns and health history and perform an appropriate examination to better understand the areas involved. When trigger point therapy is appropriate, hands-on techniques may be directed to specific areas of muscular tension or sensitivity identified during the examination.
Because every patient's presentation is different, the techniques used and course of care can vary from person to person.
Is Trigger Point Therapy Right for You?
Not every symptom is caused by a trigger point, and trigger point therapy isn't appropriate for every condition. A professional evaluation can help determine whether muscles, joints, or other factors may be contributing to your symptoms and whether chiropractic care or soft-tissue techniques may be appropriate for you. Contact Immaculate Chiropractic in Bayonne to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mac and learn more about your care options.
Educational Reference
The educational information on this page regarding myofascial trigger points and referred pain is informed in part by:
Donnelly, J. M., Freeman, J. L., & Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C. (Eds.). Travell, Simons & Donnelly's Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. 4th ed. Wolters Kluwer, 2025.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not intended to replace an individual evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation from a qualified healthcare professional.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not intended to replace an individual evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation from a qualified healthcare professional.