What should you know about ischemic compression for trigger points?

A therapist locates a sensitive area within a tight muscle band and applies pressure with a finger, thumb or suitable tool. The pressure should be controlled rather than crushing, and the therapist checks your response throughout. The aim is to reduce local tenderness and make movement more comfortable; it is not intended to injure the muscle or numb the area.

Trigger points can occur with myofascial pain, but a tender spot can also reflect another problem. Assessment should consider the location, movement pattern, nerve symptoms and other possible causes before treatment is chosen.

Tell the therapist about bruising, bleeding problems, blood-thinning medicines, skin infection, recent injury, reduced sensation or conditions that make pressure unsafe. During treatment, describe sharp, electric, burning or escalating pain rather than trying to tolerate it silently. Gentle movement, hydration and a home exercise plan may be included after the hands-on work. Read more about [Trigger Point Therapy](/treatments/manual-and-manipulative-therapy/trigger-point-therapy/) and [Dry Needling](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/dry-needling/).

Contact the therapist or a clinician for worsening pain, spreading redness, substantial swelling, persistent numbness or weakness after treatment. Seek urgent help for severe pain after an injury, loss of movement, or new problems with walking, bladder control or bowel control.

Ask what structure is thought to be causing the tenderness, how pressure will be adjusted to your response, what alternatives are available, and which exercises can address the movement or load that keeps provoking symptoms.