Introduction

Environmental factors can affect the body and lead to chronic conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. When issues like stress, physical inactivity, and traumatic events affect the muscle groups in the upper and lower extremities, it causes the various muscles to tense up and be succumbed to multiple injuries that could potentially develop trigger points. Now trigger points can cause overlapping risk profiles and pain-like issues that can affect a person’s mobility and stability. However, many ways can alleviate the pain-like symptoms associated with trigger points affecting the musculoskeletal system. Many pain specialists use techniques to stretch the tense muscle and release the trigger point nodule in the muscle fibers. Today we will look at how myofascial trigger point formation affects the body, how MET (muscle energy techniques) are used to relieve trigger point formation, and how chiropractic care uses the MET technique on trigger points. We mention our patients to certified medical providers that provide available therapy treatments like MET (muscle energy techniques) for individuals suffering from chronic conditions associated with trigger point formation on the musculoskeletal system. We encourage each patient when it is appropriate by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnosis or needs. We understand and accept that education is a marvelous way when asking our providers crucial questions at the patient’s request and acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., uses this information as an educational service. Disclaimer

 

Myofascial Trigger Points Affecting The Body

Have you been dealing with pain in different locations in your body? Do you feel that your muscles feel tight or tensed constantly? Or do you feel muscle strain when lifting or carrying heavy objects? Many of these pain-like issues correlate with myofascial trigger points affecting the body. According to research studies, myofascial pain syndrome or trigger points are hard palpable nodules discrete along the taut skeletal muscle band that can be painful when active or compressed. Now trigger points can cause the affected muscles to be hypersensitive, which to that point, can spread pain when being touched, known as referred pain. A great example would be if tense shoulder muscles have a cluster of trigger points and, when touched, send pain to the neck.

 

Trigger points in the musculoskeletal system can be present in soft tissues that can cause dysfunction and promote pain in the affected muscle area. Trigger points are developed in any scenario, from trauma like an auto accident to repetitive motions for extended periods. Two features can cause trigger point formation that can create these nodules: active and latent trigger points. Active trigger points, according to “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques,” written by Leon Chaitow, N.D, D.O, and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T, mentioned that when pressure is applied to active trigger points it can cause referred pain associated with symptoms of painful sensations to the affected muscle. While latent trigger points, when pressure is applied to them, can cause referred pain that a person experienced in the past and occurs recently. Latent trigger points can also develop into active trigger points correlating to overlapping risk profiles. The book also stated that when the fascia and connective muscle tissues have been overused or strained, it can lead to trigger point formation development.

 


MET Trigger Point Therapy-Video

Trigger Point Therapy - Muscle Energy Techniques

Have you been dealing with referred pain in different areas of your body? Do you feel that your muscles are tense and aching? Or do you feel muscle strain when lifting or carrying heavy objects? If you have been dealing with these issues, they are correlated to trigger point formation in your musculoskeletal system. Why not try MET or muscle energy technique therapy? Studies reveal that muscle energy techniques were developed originally to treat soft tissue, stretch tight muscles and fascia, and mobilize joints while improving blood circulation and draining the lymphatic system. So how do trigger point formation can be treated with MET techniques? Well, since trigger points can cause tight, hypersensitive spots that can be located in various taut muscle bands, MET techniques from pain specialists can help stretch and break up the tight nodules in the muscles to achieve muscle restoration at full resting length. The video above demonstrates how MET is used as trigger point therapy.


MET Techniques On Trigger Point Formation

So how do MET techniques work on trigger point formation in the musculoskeletal system? According to research studies, MET techniques utilize soft tissue manipulation to improve the myofascial system’s and joints’ functional parameters. Many pain specialists, like chiropractors, use this technique and other tools to help restore the body’s natural range of motion in the joints while providing a pain-reducing effect to the numerous musculoskeletal disorders. Additional research studies also mentioned that MET/NET (neuro-emotional) techniques could help relieve pain sensitivity from the affected muscle area. 

 

How Chiropractic Care Uses MET Techniques On Trigger Points

So how would chiropractic care utilize MET techniques on an individual with trigger points? Due to its effectiveness and drug-free approach, chiropractic care can help smooth out the muscle and fascia by applying pressure with their hands or special tools to relieve trigger point pain. With MET techniques, chiropractors can help release muscle stiffness, tightness, and shortness to restore the body and re-align the spine. With continued chiropractic treatment, the body can reduce the future formation of trigger points in the muscle fibers while preventing further issues from developing.

 

Conclusion

Trigger point formation can occur in different muscle areas in the body, leading to overlapping risk profiles associated with pain. When the body is dealing with referred pain caused by trigger points, it can cause numerous issues affecting a person’s daily activity. Luckily, pain specialists like chiropractic care can incorporate techniques like MET and spinal manipulation to re-align the body, stretch out the stiff muscles, and promote a restored range of motion back to the musculoskeletal system. By going through daily treatments, the body can begin to heal naturally and prevent future injuries.

 

References

Bablis, Peter, et al. “Neuro Emotional Technique for the Treatment of Trigger Point Sensitivity in Chronic Neck Pain Sufferers: A Controlled Clinical Trial.” Chiropractic & Osteopathy, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 21 May 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2427032/.

Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Shah, Jay P, et al. “Myofascial Trigger Points Then and Now: A Historical and Scientific Perspective.” PM & R : the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4508225/.

Thomas, Ewan, et al. “The Efficacy of Muscle Energy Techniques in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Subjects: A Systematic Review.” Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 27 Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6710873/.

Wendt, Michał, and Małgorzata Waszak. “Evaluation of the Combination of Muscle Energy Technique and Trigger Point Therapy in Asymptomatic Individuals with a Latent Trigger Point.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Nov. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7696776/.

Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "MET Techniques On Trigger Point Formation" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

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Dr. Alex Jimenez
Specialties: Stopping the PAIN! We Specialize in Treating Severe Sciatica, Neck-Back Pain, Whiplash, Headaches, Knee Injuries, Sports Injuries, Dizziness, Poor Sleep, Arthritis. We use advanced proven therapies focused on optimal Mobility, Posture Control, Deep Health Instruction, Integrative & Functional Medicine, Functional Fitness, Chronic Degenerative Disorder Treatment Protocols, and Structural Conditioning. We also integrate Wellness Nutrition, Wellness Detoxification Protocols and Functional Medicine for chronic musculoskeletal disorders. We use effective "Patient Focused Diet Plans", Specialized Chiropractic Techniques, Mobility-Agility Training, Cross-Fit Protocols, and the Premier "PUSH Functional Fitness System" to treat patients suffering from various injuries and health problems. Ultimately, I am here to serve my patients and community as a Chiropractor passionately restoring functional life and facilitating living through increased mobility. Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, functional strength training, functional medicine, and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries. We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional & Integrative Nutrition, Agility & Mobility Fitness Training and Cross-Fit Rehabilitation Systems for all ages. As an extension to dynamic rehabilitation, we too offer our patients, disabled veterans, athletes, young and elder a diverse portfolio of strength equipment, high-performance exercises and advanced agility treatment options. We have teamed up with the cities' premier doctors, therapist and trainers in order to provide high-level competitive athletes the options to push themselves to their highest abilities within our facilities. We've been blessed to use our methods with thousands of El Pasoans over the last 3 decades allowing us to restore our patients' health and fitness while implementing researched non-surgical methods and functional wellness programs. Our programs are natural and use the body's ability to achieve specific measured goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, un-wanted surgeries, or addictive drugs. We want you to live a functional life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain. Our goal is to ultimately empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living. With a bit of work, we can achieve optimal health together, no matter the age, ability or disability.