Trigger points in physiotherapy: what to know

A physiotherapist asks where pain travels, what activities provoke it and whether weakness, tingling or restricted movement is present. They then compare movement, strength and tissue sensitivity. Pressing a tender spot can reproduce a familiar pain pattern, but that finding is interpreted alongside the full examination.

Trigger-point tenderness can accompany overworked muscles, guarded movement or a separate joint, tendon or nerve problem. Physiotherapy may also be used alongside care for conditions such as Achilles Tendinitis, Ankle Sprain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Cervical Radiculopathy.

Treatment may combine education, gradual strengthening, mobility work, posture or movement changes and hands-on techniques. A therapist might use sustained pressure, gentle stretching or movement-based loading; the aim is to restore useful function rather than chase every tender spot.

Home exercises should be specific to your findings. A mild, settling response can occur after treatment, but increasing pain, weakness or nerve symptoms should be reported before the next session.

Arrange an assessment when pain keeps returning, limits sleep or work, or is paired with reduced strength or movement. Seek urgent medical care for new paralysis, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe unexplained pain, chest symptoms, or a limb that becomes cold or discoloured.

Ask what examination findings support a trigger point, which muscle or movement is involved, and how progress will be measured. Ask whether another condition, such as Cervical Spondylosis or Calcific Tendinitis, needs separate evaluation.