Acupuncture Points For Groin Pain? Quick Answer

Groin pain describes pain in the lower abdomen, where the leg meets the pelvis. Muscle strains are the most common cause of groin pain in adults, particularly athletes and those identified as male at birth.

However, groin pain can be experienced in different ways, and there are other causes of groin pain than muscle injuries. Diagnosis and treatment depend on the symptoms and underlying cause, and whether the pain is affecting a child or an adult, male or female.

This article describes the possible causes, diagnosis, and treatment of groin pain in adults.

Very good / Alexandra Gordon

Possible causes of groin pain

There are many unique causes of groin pain, and where exactly your groin pain is located depends on the cause. It is important to see a doctor as a diagnosis will help ensure you are receiving the right treatment for your specific condition.

Groin pain can also be experienced in different ways. It can be mild or severe. It can come on slowly or suddenly. It can be dull, sharp, throbbing, or even burning.

Spread

Most groin pain is caused by muscle tension. But there are other common causes as well.

muscle strain

A groin strain is also known as a pulled groin muscle. This is often a sports injury. It can also happen when awkward movement of the hip joint leads to a stretch or tear of the inner thigh muscles, and groin pain is a common complication after hip replacement.

A pulled groin muscle usually causes sharp, sudden pain. The cause of the pain is often clear. Groin strains can also lead to inner thigh muscle spasms and leg weakness.

1:41 Click play to learn more about treating a groin strain

This video was medically reviewed by Oluseun Olufade, MD.

hernia

A hernia can also cause groin pain. This is when fatty tissue or the intestines leak through a weak or torn area in the abdominal wall. It can be caused by repetitive strain or even frequent and vigorous coughing.

People with a hernia often report a pulling sensation in the groin, sometimes with a dull groin pain with exertion, such as lifting objects.

Sometimes there’s a visible bulge in the groin, but it’s possible to have a hernia that doesn’t cause any symptoms at all.

kidney stone

A kidney stone is a small lump of minerals that forms in your kidney. It can cause waves of pain when it passes through the urinary tract.

The pain can range from mild to severe. It often occurs between your ribs and hips or in the lower abdomen. In both cases, the pain often extends toward the groin area.

In addition to pain, kidney stones can also cause other symptoms, including:

blood in the urine

nausea or vomiting

pain when urinating

urge to urinate

osteoarthritis of the hip

The hip joint is located between the top of the thigh bone and the pelvis. Osteoarthritis of the hip joint occurs when the normally smooth hip joint wears down.

As the joint wears down, leg movements become painful and stiff. As with other forms of arthritis, the pain gets worse with activity and better with rest.

In addition to pain, the hip joint may feel stiff. A popping sound may be heard during movement. There may also be a popping sensation.

Femoral acetabular impingement

Femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) is considered an early stage of hip arthritis.

Hard growths called bone spurs develop around the ball of the hip joint. This causes the movement of your hips to be restricted.

FAI also causes pain in the groin or on the outside of the hips. The pain usually occurs when you push the joint to its limits. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation.

hip labrum tear

The labrum of the hip joint is a layer of cartilage. This strong, flexible tissue encloses the ball head of the hip joint.

A hip labral tear can cause groin or buttock pain. The pain is usually sharp and can be felt with certain hip movements. Once in a while. People may also feel a catching and popping sensation in the hip.

hip fracture

A hip fracture is a break in the upper quarter of the thigh bone. Falls are the most common causes of hip fractures. A direct blow to the hip can also cause these fractures.

Fractures can also occur due to osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become fragile. Cancer and stress injuries are other possible causes.

Hip fracture pain is often felt in the groin. It is significantly worsened when you try to bend or rotate the hip.

osteonecrosis of the hip

Osteonecrosis is sometimes referred to as avascular necrosis. This condition causes bone cells to die due to lack of blood supply. When this happens in the hip joint, the bone cells begin to collapse. This causes the hip joint to collapse.

The first symptom of the condition is usually a dull aching or throbbing pain. It first appears in the groin or buttocks area. As the disease progresses, it becomes difficult to put weight on the hip. This can lead to limping.

sports hernia

A sports fracture is an uncommon injury. It is usually diagnosed in soccer and hockey players. It can be caused by a subtle weakening of the abdominal wall.

A sports hernia causes pain just above the front lower abdomen/groin. It can be difficult to diagnose. Treatment is usually rest or surgery.

What can cause groin pain in women? Muscle strains are common and hernias are a possibility. In biological women, hernias occur deeper in the body. They cause chronic pelvic pain that is often misdiagnosed as another condition, such as endometriosis. Although rare, groin pain during pregnancy can also be caused by a hernia. Kidney stones and some cancers are among the more serious causes of groin pain.

Less common

Other causes of groin pain are less common but can be serious.

testicular diseases

Testicular disease can cause groin pain. These include:

Epididymitis: This is inflammation of the epididymis, a duct located at the back of the testicles. The pain can start in the groin and spread to the testicles. There may be swelling of the testicles. Less commonly, fever and chills may occur. This condition is often caused by a sexually transmitted infection.

This is inflammation of the epididymis, a duct located at the back of the testicles. The pain can start in the groin and spread to the testicles. There may be swelling of the testicles. Less commonly, fever and chills may occur. This condition is often caused by a sexually transmitted infection. Testicular torsion: This pressing problem occurs when the structure that carries nerves to the testicles twists. This causes severe and sudden groin and testicle pain.

nerve problem

A pinched nerve in the lower spine can cause groin pain. Numbness and tingling in the groin area may also occur. This condition is called lumbar radiculopathy.

Direct pressure on a nerve (pinched nerve) can cause burning or stabbing groin pain and pain in the mid-thigh. People with this condition may also experience numbness and tingling.

Abdominal or pelvic diseases

Certain abdominal conditions can cause pain that looks like it’s coming from the groin. These conditions include:

Diverticulitis, an inflammatory disease of the gut

Abdominal aortic aneurysm, when part of the aorta, a large blood vessel, enlarges

when part of the aorta, a large blood vessel, becomes enlarged Pelvic disorders such as ovarian cysts, small pockets of fluid that form on or in the ovaries

Ostitis pubis

Osteitis pubis is an inflammatory disease. It affects the pubic symphysis, the joint that connects your two pubic bones.

This condition can cause a dull, aching ache in the groin and pelvis. It can occur in athletes and non-athletes. It’s more common in people with certain things in their medical history, such as:

Inflammatory arthritis

pregnancy

pelvic injury

pelvic surgery

Less common causes of groin pain are testicular disorders, which can be serious and require immediate medical attention. Nerve problems and abdominal or pelvic disorders such as diverticulitis, ovarian cysts, and joint disorders can also cause groin pain.

Rarely

These conditions are rare, but your doctor may consider them if you have groin pain that cannot be explained otherwise.

infected joint

The hip joint can rarely become inflamed. This is most common in people over the age of 80. It can also occur in people with certain medical conditions/conditions, such as:

Diabetes mellitus, a condition that causes high blood sugar

Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disease of the joints

, an inflammatory disease of the joints Recent joint surgery

Hip or knee replacement

This condition causes severe groin pain, especially with leg movements. They may also have fever, swelling, warmth, and redness around the waist.

tumor

Very rarely, a tumor in a muscle or bone can cause groin pain. This is especially true if the tumor is in the inner thigh muscles.

Unlike a groin strain, groin pain from a tumor is generally not aggravated by exercise.

Hip joint tumors and infections are rare but serious causes of groin pain.

When should I be concerned about groin pain?

It is important to get medical help if you have fallen or otherwise injured your hip.

If you have groin pain with these additional symptoms, see a doctor right away:

Fever

chills

blood in the urine

Abdominal or pelvic discomfort

nausea or vomiting

An inability to carry weight or walk

The same is true if your groin pain is severe or persistent, regardless of any accompanying symptoms.

If you think you have a hernia, call your doctor. See an ambulance if you have these additional symptoms:

Severe pain around the bulge in your groin

Vomit

Diarrhea

A swollen stomach

These can be a sign of a trapped hernia. This is when prolapsed tissue becomes pinched and doesn’t get enough blood. This condition requires emergency surgery.

Finally, seek emergency care if you have severe, unilateral testicular pain and swelling. It could be testicular torsion. This condition also requires immediate surgery.

How groin pain is diagnosed

Because groin pain can have many possible causes, your doctor can diagnose your condition in a variety of ways.

Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and other details about your groin pain, such as:

When it started

Whether you have suffered an injury

What makes the pain worse and better

Whether you have other symptoms

Usually you will need a physical exam. You may also need imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Physical examination

During your physical exam, the healthcare provider will:

An abdominal exam

If you were born a male, a testicle exam

A neurological examination

A musculoskeletal exam that focuses on your hip

People with hip joint problems often have trouble bending and rotating the hip joint. An example of this type of movement is when you sit down and rest your ankle on your thigh.

imaging

A groin strain can be diagnosed by physical examination alone. However, other causes of groin pain usually require imaging.

X-ray is commonly used to diagnose groin pain. This imaging test captures photos of internal structures in your body. In this case, the x-ray can show the bony anatomy and structure of the hip joint.

X-rays are the best way to see the extent of cartilage damage. You may also have other signs of hip osteoarthritis, such as bone spurs and joint space narrowing.

If your groin pain is related to your testicles or a hernia, your doctor may order an ultrasound. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of your body’s internal structures.

If a kidney stone is a potential culprit, your doctor may decide to do a computed tomography (CT) scan. A CT captures multiple X-rays and combines them into a three-dimensional image.

Ultrasound and CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis can also diagnose bowel problems or other abdominal and pelvic disorders.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test is often used to examine the soft tissue around the hip joint. An MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of your internal body structures. MRIs can show muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the labrum.

Sometimes an MRI is done with a contrast medium. During this procedure, you will be injected with a special dye. This helps to better show subtle injuries to the cartilage and labrum in the joint on the scan.

An MRI can also be used to look for nerve problems. For example, a pinched nerve in the back can sometimes transmit pain to the groin. This means you may feel like the pain is coming from your groin even though the injury is elsewhere.

In such a case, an MRI can help find the true source of the pain.

injection

If the source of the pain is unclear, a diagnostic injection can be very helpful.

During this procedure, an anesthetic called lidocaine is injected into the hip joint. An ultrasound or x-ray may be used to make sure the needle is placed in the right place.

If the pain goes away temporarily, the source of the pain is likely where the anesthetic was injected.

This procedure is performed by an experienced doctor such as an orthopedic surgeon, a healthcare provider who specializes in treating conditions affecting the bones and muscles. It can also be performed by a radiologist, a healthcare provider who specializes in medical imaging.

How groin pain is treated

After diagnosis, the next step is to create a treatment plan. This can have several elements.

Lifestyle Treatment Options

For some types of groin pain, you can recover at home with simple self-care. For example, if you have a groin strain, your doctor may recommend the following to reduce pain and swelling:

Rest

Icing the injured area

Wrapping the thigh with an elastic compression bandage

For hip osteoarthritis, treatment may include restrictive activities that make the pain worse.

For groin pain in the testicles, your doctor may recommend elevating and icing the area.

medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) can help with some conditions. These include:

groin strain

arthrosis

Labral tear of the hip

pubic inflammation

A pinched nerve in your back

Stronger pain relievers, such as opioids, may be needed if the pain is severe. These can be used for conditions like:

kidney stone

hip fracture

Infected hip joint

An injection of a steroid such as Cortone (cortisone acetate) can help with some conditions. People with osteoarthritis of the hip can have an injection in the hip. If you have a pinched nerve, an injection in your lower back may help.

If the pain is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be needed. These are also used after surgery on an infected hip joint.

physical therapy

Treatment for most hip-related causes of groin pain typically involves physical therapy (PT). The timing of this depends on what is causing the problem.

For example, you may need physical therapy after hip replacement surgery. If you have osteoarthritis of the hip, you may need long-term physical therapy.

Physiotherapy includes exercises to strengthen the muscles of the legs and hips. Certain exercises can also improve range of motion and flexibility.

If you have a hip problem, you may also need a walking device such as a cane, crutches, or a walker.

surgery

Some serious conditions may require surgery. Some, like testicular torsion or hip joint infection, require emergency surgery.

During hip joint infection surgery, the affected area is flushed with a saline solution and infected tissue is removed. Antibiotics are given after the procedure to fight off infection.

Less urgent but necessary surgeries for other types of groin pain include:

Hip replacement for advanced hip arthrosis

Arthroscopic hip surgery for some labral tears

Core decompression surgery for osteonecrosis of the hip

Treatment varies depending on the cause of your pain. If injured, rest and ice can be helpful. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers. Most hip-related causes of groin pain require physical therapy. Serious illnesses may require surgery.

Prevention of groin pain

Some causes of groin pain can be prevented. You can use these strategies to prevent hip problems, for example:

Maintain a healthy weight to reduce inflammation and pressure on the body

Do gentle exercises like swimming or cycling that put less strain on your hips

Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent falls, such as: B. Balance training or Tai Chi

Commit to moderate, daily exercise to slow bone loss and maintain muscle strength

It’s also important to see your doctor for routine checkups and checkups. This can help prevent groin pain caused by conditions unrelated to the hip, such as: B. sexually transmitted diseases.

summary

Groin pain can have many possible causes, including muscle strain, hernia, and kidney stones. Many causes are related to hip injuries or osteoarthritis. Less commonly, the pain may be nerve-related or testicular in origin. Rarely, it can be caused by an infection or tumor.

See a doctor if you have other symptoms with your pain, such as: B. Fever or blood in the urine.

Your doctor can diagnose your condition with a physical exam, imaging, or injection. Depending on the cause, treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication, physical therapy, or surgery. Some causes of groin pain can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle and moderate exercise.

A word from Verywell

Orthopedists used to think that groin pain was always associated with arthritis and muscle injuries. Groin pain and its causes are much better understood today. This can help guide treatment, but the number of possible diagnoses can also make it difficult to pinpoint yours.

Work proactively with your doctor to find the cause of your groin pain. Once the cause is clear, the right treatment can help you get the relief you deserve.

A groin strain is a muscle injury that can be painful and takes time to heal. We learn more about how groin strains can occur, what symptoms they have, and how long a person can expect to recover. Groin strain affects a group of muscles at the top of the thigh. The muscle can be partially or fully torn, which can cause significant pain and discomfort. With a serious strain, physical therapy may be needed, and a person is often given exercises. Returning to a full range of motion should be gradual. Intense physical activity must be avoided for weeks or months. Fast facts on groin strain: The groin is the area of ​​the body where the abdomen meets the legs.

Treating a groin strain promptly can prevent it from getting worse and help it heal.

Recovery time depends on the severity of the groin strain.

Symptoms of a groin strain Share on Pinterest A groin strain is usually caused by a tear in the adductor longus muscle.

Credit: BruceBlaus, (2015, November 10) The main symptoms of a groin strain are pain and tenderness in the region. Other symptoms include: bruising or swelling on the inner thigh

Pain when a person lifts their knee

Pain when a person closes or opens their legs

The groin or inner thigh may feel warmer than usual

Muscles feel weak or tight

Limp or difficulty moving leg Pain can range from a dull ache to stabbing pains. The pain often gets worse when walking or moving the leg. A person may also experience spasms in the inner thigh muscles. Groin strain levels Muscles that move a part of the body, such as B. a leg or an arm, are called adductor muscles. Groin strain affects the adductor muscles in the inner thigh. A groin strain is usually a muscle tear from a clumsy or sudden movement. It often affects people who participate in active and performance-oriented physical sports. Groin strains are graded from 1 to 3, depending on how severe the injury is: Grade 1 causes some pain and tenderness, but there is little stretch or muscle tear.

Grade 2 causes pain, tenderness, weakness, and sometimes bruising.

Grade 3 is a severe muscle tear that causes bruising and severe pain.

How is it diagnosed? A groin strain can be diagnosed by a doctor or physical therapist. They will usually ask a few questions to learn more about the symptoms and the cause of the injury. A medical professional needs to know what activity a person was doing when they first experienced pain. They will also ask a person if they: Heard a popping sound when the injury happened

noticed swelling after the injury

Feeling pain when moving your leg The appointment usually includes a physical exam. This will likely involve feeling the muscle and gently moving the leg. In some cases further testing may be required. This could include an X-ray or MRI scan to check there is no other damage to the leg or pelvis.

Treatment Options Share on Pinterest A doctor or physical therapist can treat groin pain with simple exercises. A groin strain should be treated quickly, ideally within the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury. This is to reduce swelling and bleeding and relieve pain in the area. A person is often advised to rest their leg. Staying calm and trying not to walk or exercise can help prevent the injury from getting worse. For example, a person can raise the leg by placing it on a footstool. Gentle exercise should be done after 48 hours. Ice packs can be applied to the area. If an ice pack is not available, a bag of frozen vegetables can be used. Ice should not be placed directly on the skin as it can cause ice burns. An ice pack should be held on the area for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 hours. It may help to tie a bandage reasonably tightly around the top of the thigh. This is called compression and should be performed by a trained first responder whenever possible. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken to relieve discomfort. A physical therapist can put together a treatment program to help with recovery. This usually includes exercises that restore movement to the leg. A massage can help the soft tissues in the leg to recover.

Five Simple Exercises to Try A person should not exercise their leg excessively for the first 48 hours after the injury. After that, some simple exercises can help return you to a normal level of activity. 1. Floor Stretch Lie face up on the floor

Legs should be extended and straight

Slowly move the right leg to the side of the body

Bring the leg back to a central position

repeat with left leg 2. Chair lift Sit in a chair

Keeping your knee bent, lift your right foot to just below hip height

hold for a few seconds

Put your foot back on the ground

repeat with left leg 3. Lateral raises lying on right side of body

Support your body by leaning on your right elbow

put your left hand in front of your body for balance

Keeping your left leg straight, gently lift it up

Lie on your left side and repeat the exercise. 4. Squeeze your knees and sit in a chair

Place a soft ball or rolled towel between your knees

Gently squeeze the ball or towel for a few seconds

repeat a few times 5. Squat down face up on the floor

Legs should be extended and straight

Keeping your foot on the floor, bend your right leg

repeat with left leg. If the exercises cause more pain, a person should stop doing it and seek medical attention.

What are the main causes? Share on Pinterest A sudden, forceful movement can cause a muscle tear. Groin strain is usually caused by muscles in the groin area being contracted or stretched with too much force. In practice, this often happens in sports where the leg is twisted or moved quickly up or to the side. Some examples of movements that can cause a groin strain are: Jumping

twist the leg

vigorous kicking

sudden change of direction while running

lifting something heavy It can also happen when muscles are overused or not warmed up. This is one of the reasons it often affects athletes.

Prevention A groin strain cannot always be avoided, but there are some things that can help a person avoid this type of injury. Warming up the muscles with stretching or light exercise before exercising or physical activity can help prevent damage to the body. Maintain the same amount of exercise instead of engaging in intense activities every now and then. Professional athletes typically train year-round to maintain fitness. A person who does not exercise regularly or who is starting to exercise for the first time should proceed slowly. Going beyond what is comfortable or doing exercises that are too intense can lead to injury.

Everything you need to know about foot reflexology including how to read a foot reflexology chart, how to use reflexology and the benefits for your body.

© michelangeloop/iStock

Imagine you have a pounding headache and all it takes to relieve the pain is to squeeze a specific point on your foot. Or you may have severe menstrual cramps that won’t go away, but pressing a small point on your heel brings almost instant relief. The situations may sound almost too good to be true, but scenarios like these are commonly practiced and considered effective in the world of foot reflexology. But what exactly is reflexology? Read on to learn about the history of the ancient medical practice, how to read a foot reflexology chart for yourself, and how reflexology is said to benefit your body and well-being.

What is reflexology?

Reflexology, sometimes called zone therapy, is an alternative therapy that uses a variety of techniques to apply targeted pressure and friction to specific points on the body. Reflexologists usually focus on the hands, ears, and feet because they believe these areas connect directly to other parts of the body and can have a therapeutic effect on organs and other parts of the body when stimulated. Reflexology is not the same as massage, which involves rubbing specific muscles to relieve physical tension. Rather, reflexology stimulates the nervous system and organs to relieve physical tension.

Reflexology has been practiced around the world for thousands of years, beginning in countries like China, India and Egypt. Ear, nose and throat specialists William H. Fitzgerald and Edwin F. Bowers are believed to have been the first to introduce reflexology to the United States in 1913, but most current reflexologists refer to the modified version of the practice, which was developed by nurse/physical therapist Eunice D. Ingham in the 1930s and 1940s.

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Most modern medical professionals remain skeptical of reflexology, but some US physicians use it as a form of complementary medicine in conjunction with traditional medications to treat diseases and conditions such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, migraines, menstrual cramps, and organ function. However, there is currently no convincing evidence that reflexology is an effective treatment for any medical condition and is therefore typically excluded from health insurance.

How to read a foot reflexology chart

Because reflexology is practiced around the world, there is no central agreement as to where specific reflexology points are located on the body, including the feet. However, most reflexologists divide the body into 10 vertical zones—five on each side—where the body’s energy is supposed to flow. That means if you want to alleviate physical discomfort on a specific side, you should choose that foot. For example, the stomach is on the left side of the body, so you should use reflexology on the left foot for the most benefit.

Note: Click the magnifying glass icon on the right side of the foot reflexology chart to view an enlarged version

Their feet are not mirror images of each other when it comes to which body parts they are connected to, although they share many similarities.

The toes are believed to correspond to the head, neck and shoulder areas of the body. The tips of the toes are believed to connect to the top of the head, teeth and sinus area. The middle part of the second and third toes is believed to be connected to the eyes, while the bottom of the toes (where they fuse with the ball of the foot) are said to be connected to the ears. The glands are said to connect across the middle of the big toes while the shoulders are said to connect to the outer edge where the ball of the foot area connects to the toes.

The ball of the foot is believed to be connected to the chest area of ​​the body. The outer edge is said to be connected to the lungs, while the middle area of ​​the ball of the foot is said to be connected to the heart.

It is believed that the middle of the sole of your foot – where your foot is narrowest – connects to your waist. The small intestine is said to be connected across the inner part of this area on the foot, while the large intestine is said to be connected across the outer edge and in the area just below the ball of the foot.

Your heel is believed to be connected to both your pelvic area and your legs. The sciatic nerve should be accessible through the heels during reflexology, as well as the knees.

The groin area is believed to connect across the top of the foot around the ankle area.

Your spine is believed to be accessible through the inside edge of your feet (on the big toe side). Reflexologists consider this an important area because the spine is thought to be the main highway that bones, nerves, and muscles use to communicate with the brain.

Based on the abdomen example above, it can be assumed that since the abdomen is on the left side of the body and between the chest and waist area (so below balls of the feet, near the arch of the foot), it makes sense to stimulate the left foot between the chest area and the waist area.

For more details on foot reflexology charts, you can view a detailed toe chart, outer foot chart, or inner foot reflexology chart. Just note that foot reflexology charts are generally reserved for people who have a lot of experience with foot reflexology. Therefore, if you are interested in reading these charts, you might want to consider taking a foot reflexology class.

How to stimulate reflexology points

Reflexologists generally stimulate reflexology points by applying gentle but firm clockwise pressure to the points for about 20 seconds, followed by gentle but firm counterclockwise pressure for about 20 seconds. Sometimes they run their fingers and thumbs along the reflexology points for several minutes or until the patient begins to feel relief.

One important thing to remember is that reflexology patients should remain well hydrated both during and after reflexology treatment.

The benefits of reflexology

Although still viewed as a suspect therapy by many modern practitioners, reflexology is growing in popularity as a complementary form of medicine, particularly in Europe and Asia. An example is Denmark, where numerous companies are reported to have hired reflexologists over the past two decades. According to the University of Minnesota, several studies have shown that reflexology in Denmark has resulted in reduced sick leave and absenteeism for Danish companies, and that nearly a third of employees report greater job satisfaction after completing six reflexology sessions.

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Other believed benefits of reflexology include increased energy and circulation, reduced stress and fatigue, extreme relaxation, reduced depression, pain relief, and regulated sleep patterns. It is also said to eliminate toxins, stimulate the central nervous system, prevent migraines, clear urinary tract disorders, speed recovery from injury or surgery, and help treat some cancers.

The question

“What is that knot and why does it hurt so much when you press on it?” If you’ve done any soft tissue work, you’ve inevitably heard this from your client. When considering the body and its causes of dysfunction, muscle tissue is the primary target for wear and tear from daily activity. Our skeletal muscles make up almost 50% of our body weight and consist of 200 pairs of muscles, depending on how they are divided. That’s 400 muscles, any of which can develop these “knots” or trigger points and cause significant pain and dysfunction throughout the body.

The existence and documentation of the “knots” or myofascial trigger points has been around for quite some time, but our understanding of them has evolved little by little. Due to their uncharacteristic presentation, they have been discovered numerous times under different names, with the modern theory of myofascial trigger points taking shape in 1942 thanks to Janet Travell.

The cause

Your next question might be: what happens to the muscle to cause a trigger point? The pathology of trigger points is that they arise as a result of some kind of overloading of a muscle. This overload can come from a variety of sources, including:

Acute – excessive or unusual activity Persistent – postural stress, structural abnormalities, leaving a muscle in a shortened position for an extended period of time Repetitive – repetitive movement, particularly with biomechanical errors

These sources can occur in a variety of settings, from occupational, athletic, to other underlying pathologies. The stress on the area does not have to be physiological. Psychological and emotional stress can also lead to an area being overloaded.

The typical course of trigger point formation begins with an inactive point in healthy tissue. Because of these aforementioned stresses, the point develops into a latent trigger point and, as the stress continues to build, into an active point. This development can work in both directions. Trigger points can be activated by other points, emotional stress, and diseased organs and joints. They can also return to an inactive or dormant state if they rest and the other perpetuating factors are removed. This cycle can repeat itself for years.

Unfortunately, there is no gold standard for pathology behind trigger points. The current etiology combines two widely accepted theories, the energy crisis theory and the motor endplate hypothesis. This hypothesis postulates that a central myofascial trigger point consists of multiple muscle fibers exhibiting regional sarcomere shortening due to excessive and sustained release of acetylcholine through a positive feedback loop. If we were to outline the steps in forming a trigger point, it would look like this:

Due to a type of muscle overload, there is an abnormal release of acetylcholine from dysfunctional motor endplates. This causes an influx of calcium into regional sarcomeres around the area of ​​the endplates, resulting in localized contraction of the affected sarcomeres. There is an increase in tension in the muscle fibers. This tension creates knots of contraction in the short sarcomeres, which become the trigger point. This complex occurs in multiple fibers, leading to an increase in metabolic demand in the area causing local ischemia. The state of generated local hypoxia causes an energy crisis that leads to pain. The pumps responsible for removing the calcium that stops contraction cannot function and the cycle continues.

Regardless of the cause, pain radiated from trigger points is described as a poorly localized, steady, deep, generalized pain in the muscles and joints. This distinguishes it from the tingling and numbness associated with nerve problems and the throbbing pain of vascular dysfunction. Both motor and autonomic functions can be disrupted by trigger points. Some motor disorders include spasms, weakness, loss of coordination, and fatigue of the affected muscle, while autonomic disorders can range from abnormal sweating to watery eyes, excessive salivation, dizziness, and even tinnitus. This can often lead to misdiagnosis as muscles in general and trigger points in particular are often overlooked as a source of pain and dysfunction in the modern medical world.

Treatment of trigger points

Now that we have a better understanding of what causes a trigger point, what approach should you take to treat it? Trigger point therapy is basically divided into invasive and non-invasive modalities. Depending on your profession, invasive methods include anesthesia injections, botulinum toxin injections, or dry needling, but they may be outside your scope. Most likely, you will use a non-invasive method such as stretching, ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or finger pressure.

Your treatment goal is to release the sarcomere contraction. If you’re using digital printing, once you’ve found the point, apply pressure to a level that the client can handle (usually around 7 out of 10). Maintain pressure for 30 to 90 seconds or until you feel the tissue loosen or soften. The client will often describe a decrease in symptoms as the point is released. Holding for ninety seconds produces the best results, but 30 seconds is enough to bring about a change. You should increase the pressure back to a tolerable level and repeat the process until the lump is no longer palpable or the discomfort has subsided. You should avoid treating the same area for more than 5 minutes as you don’t want to irritate the tissue. Because trigger points can consist of multiple fibers, it is a good idea to change the pressure angle to ensure the entire point is addressed.

There are some modifications you can make to increase the effectiveness of digital printing, especially if you work in the sports field and treat athletes in competition. You may have noticed that when you apply pressure to a trigger point, the client experiences discomfort and a sense of paralysis of the area. While they’re definitely not paralyzed, they often have trouble activating the muscle while you’re compressing the point. The pain disrupts neuromuscular coordination in the area causing the difficulty. If you can incorporate active movement alongside finger pressure, the trigger point will resolve more quickly and you can restore communication between the nervous and muscular systems, thereby improving the muscle’s function. Just have the client perform the action of the muscle where the trigger point is located and after a few reps there will be a noticeable change. This technique is especially valuable in athletes. Aggressive trigger point treatment before competition can negatively impact performance. You can change your approach by incorporating movement, reducing the pressure used, and reducing treatment time to address dysfunction in that area without compromising performance.

I injured my groin muscle 17 weeks ago. At first I couldn’t walk. It was a searing, stabbing pain that took my breath away with every step. I’ve had acupuncture treatments and active release techniques applied to it. It is an area that has been violated on multiple occasions. The first time was my freshman year of high school. I’m 52 now.

The last time I hurt my groin was about 9 years ago and it took 3 months to heal. In my 20’s when I injured it it took 2 months to heal. They did an ultrasound and ruled out a hernia. However, my lymph nodes were extremely swollen. They did a full blood test and ruled out anything serious. It’s much better.

I’ve been cross training with the bike and adaptive movement trainer (AMT) for 15 weeks. I’m doing everything I did before the injury except running. I can jog in place without pain, but pushing off still hurts a bit. I walked/”jogged” if you want to call it a jog because it’s really slow and the steps are really tiny.

My doctor who does the active release says that breaking up the scar tissue increases healing time. I know I have a lot of scar tissue due to my 6th injury in that area, but it’s been over 4 months. Any suggestions on what to do? I also did a lot of core strengthening exercises.

Thank you for any help you may have.

-Jan

Jan,

Groin pain in athletes is often a difficult problem and it is sometimes difficult to find the true source of the pain. Some of the more common possibilities include muscle strain (adductor group), tendonitis (adductor group), sacroiliac joint dysfunction, osteoarthritis of the hip, labral tear in the hip joint, sports hernia, inguinal hernia, osteitis pubis, and nerve traps.

Are you sure it’s your groin muscle? Most commonly, the muscles involved are in the adductor group. That’s the muscle belly and tendon you feel when you squeeze your knees together, and it’s the usual groin pull. This often heals over a period of weeks and you are probably at the end of the usual healing time if that is the cause. If it looks like this is the injury, I would “stay the course.”

It doesn’t sound like you have a hernia since you don’t describe a bump and you had a normal ultrasound. Evaluating sports hernias requires some darting and darting to make the diagnosis, and sometimes an MRI can help determine the best course of action. If your hip range of motion appears normal and equal to the opposite side in internal and external rotation, osteoarthritis seems unlikely. Osteitis pubis is usually tender in the midline of the pubic bone, around where your bladder sits.

As you heal, continue to focus on your core strength and spend some time on glute strength as well. In addition to your strength, if your kinetic chain movement is abnormal, you’ll be primed for another groin injury. You should consider having your mechanics checked through the leg and pelvis to correct muscle imbalances that contributed to or are a result of the injury. (Is the painful groin the culprit or the victim?) You should also check that your pelvis is level and you have good movement through the SI joints and lumbar spine. Your doctor may be able to do this for you or send you to a PT who can do the evaluation. You may also need additional imaging to find the cause of your problem.

I hope it helps.

Cheers,

invoice

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Read on to learn more about exercises you can use to rehabilitate a torn, strained, or painful groin muscle. We’ll also cover what typically causes groin strains, how to prevent them, and when to see a doctor.

When you experience pain, a strain, or a tear in your groin, you need to take steps to heal it. This includes taking a break from activities that make your condition worse and doing exercises to repair and strengthen your groin.

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A groin strain is an injury to the inner thigh that is common in professional and recreational athletes. It’s possible for these muscles, called the adductors, to become injured or torn.

Sometimes a muscle strain is referred to as a muscle strain. Usually, a groin strain is a minor injury, although it can be more serious.

Signs and symptoms of a groin strain

Signs and symptoms of a groin strain include pain, swelling, and loss of motion in the adductors, nearby tendons, or near the pubic bone. Easy bruising, muscle weakness and cramps, and difficulty walking are also possible.

What can cause a groin strain

Groin strains often occur due to sudden movements while running, jumping, or skating. Groin pain can also occur when walking. It can also happen in basketball, soccer, and ice hockey.

Fast kicking, twisting, or turning can also cause this type of injury. Overuse of the adductor muscles can also lead to a groin strain along with strength training, a fall, or lifting heavy objects.

Not warming up properly or overexerting yourself can also lead to groin strain, especially when beginning a new fitness regimen. In women, groin pain on the right or left side can be an indication of an underlying condition, such as kidney stones or a urinary tract infection.

If what you think is a groin strain doesn’t gradually resolve over time as expected, it’s important to see your doctor or physical therapist to rule out musculoskeletal conditions that can mimic groin pain.

How to heal a groin strain

First of all, stop doing activities that you think caused the groin strain or activities that cause pain in that area. This is essential for proper healing. Depending on the level of stress, it can take a few weeks to several months for the pain to subside.

After the pain subsides, you can begin stretching and exercises to help heal a groin injury. You can usually start these exercises within a few days of your first injury, but it depends on the severity of your exposure.

The exercises detailed in this article are designed to gently build strength and flexibility in your hips, groin, and legs.

Start with the exercises that you find easiest and most comfortable. Stay away from exercises that cause you pain or discomfort. As you progress, you may be able to bring the other exercises back into your routine.

For best results, perform these exercises at least thrice a week.

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Overview Hip pain at night can wake you up during the night or make it almost impossible to fall asleep. The pain can come from the position you sleep in, or it could be caused by something else. For example, if you don’t move much when you sleep, your joints will swell, which can lead to stiffness and pain. Read on to learn more about what can be causing your hip pain at night and how you can treat this symptom and sleep better.

Sleeping position If you regularly wake up at night with hip pain, it may be due to your sleeping habits or your mattress. A mattress that is too soft or too hard can cause pressure points that can lead to hip pain. Sleeping posture can also cause pain. Try sleeping on your back or, if you’re a side sleeper, sleep on the side that doesn’t hurt and place a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned. Here you will find a large selection of knee pillows.

Bursitis Around your hip bones and other joints are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint as it moves. These sacs are called bursae. Bursitis occurs when these sacs become inflamed. Symptoms may include: Pain on the outside of your hip and thigh

Pain that starts as a stabbing pain and makes you cry out if the area is touched, and later develops into an ache

Pain when standing up after sitting for a long time, which may be worse if you walk a long time, climb a lot of stairs or squat for a while

Pain that is worse at night when you lie down or sleep on the affected hip People with bursitis do not have pain when standing.

Hip Tendonitis Tendons attach muscle to bone and allow movement. Hip tendinitis is when the tendon in the hip becomes inflamed. When you have hip tendinitis, your symptoms may include: a dull, deep pain in your groin, especially when you climb stairs or stand up

Pain in the buttocks if your hamstring is also inflamed

Sciatic Piriformis Syndrome Sciatic pain is a tingling and numbness that runs from the lower back to the buttocks and sometimes down the leg and into the foot. If you have sciatic piriformis syndrome, you may feel a burning sensation in your calf when trying to sleep. Or you have a throbbing pain in your foot that wakes you up or keeps you awake.

Pregnancy Pregnancy puts extra pressure on your spine and hips, especially during your third trimester. Wear supportive shoes during the day and take breaks to stretch after sitting for long periods. This can help reduce your risk of conditions like sciatica, which can lead to referred pain. At night, follow the side sleeping suggestions made earlier. You can also try rolling up a blanket and putting it behind your back so you can lean into the blanket while still sleeping on your side. If you prefer, you can use a pillow instead of a blanket. This can help provide extra support while sleeping. A pregnancy pillow can also help. Get one here.

When to See a Doctor If your hip pain regularly keeps you from sleeping or wakes you up at night, see your doctor. You can check for tenderness and swelling around your waist. They will also examine your hip’s range of motion for signs of arthritis and tendonitis. Reduced movement is a sign of arthritis. They may also take blood or fluid samples or order X-rays to rule out various medical conditions. Go to an emergency room or an emergency room (ER) if your hip pain is caused by an injury. Also, get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms: a joint that looks deformed

Inability to move your leg or hip

Inability to put weight on the leg with the sore hip

severe pain or sudden swelling in your hip

Fever, chills, redness, or other signs of infection

Causes by Mayo Clinic staff

The most common cause of groin pain is a strained muscle, tendon, or ligament, particularly in athletes who play sports like hockey, soccer, and football. Groin pain can appear immediately after an injury, or the pain can appear gradually over a period of weeks or even months. Groin pain can get worse with continued use of the injured area.

Less commonly, a bone injury or fracture, a hernia, or even kidney stones can cause groin pain. Although testicular pain and groin pain are different, sometimes a testicular condition can cause pain that spreads to the groin area.

Direct and indirect causes of groin pain can be:

The causes shown here are often associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis.

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In the current climate of global isolation and working from home due to the coronavirus, we see some interesting trends – toilet paper is as valuable as gold; tik tok is the new “funniest home video”; we all learn to play an instrument; and the Tiger King is one of the most well-known zoo keepers in the world.

Another trend we are seeing in our clinic is an increase in postural pain, particularly from prolonged sitting.

In particular, we’ve seen a number of clients begin to complain of pinching and tightness in their groins and hips. Most of the people we saw had walked through the clinic with this type of pain, but not all. We also see some people who have never suffered from hip and groin pain before but are now feeling the pinching.

Fortunately, there is a relatively simple solution to this problem.

Imagine you are lying on your couch, under the pillows, and then your spouse or roommate decides to come over and sit on you. This is how your hip might feel when you’re sitting at your home office desk.

And sitting for 2-3 hours at a time can lead to some stiffness when you finally get up and go for a walk, or even pinching in the groin or hip when you go outside for a longer walk.

There is a simple solution to this – in fact there are a few things you can do:

Tips to avoid hip and groin pain while working from home

1. Put a thick pillow under your bottom

Not only does this feel nice and comfortable for your bottom, it also opens up the angle at your hip and takes any pressure off the joint. Just make sure your feet are still on the ground and not hanging in the air.

2. Get up more often!

Our bodies are not designed to sit for long hours. Set a timer for 30 minutes on your phone, and when it rings, get up, take a few deep breaths, do some stretches, get a glass of water, do some squats, and sit down then go back. Just remember to start the timer again and do the same again after another 30 minutes.

3. Use a sit-stand desk

We love variety! Some even say variety is the spice of life!

Alternate your work positions throughout the day – start the morning standing at your desk, rest and sit down for a while, then get back up.

Do your workout routine in the middle of the day.

Go for a walk while holding a meeting.

Changing positions limits the stress placed on one part of your body for too long.

Travis is a title musculoskeletal physical therapist who specializes in treating people with hip and groin pain. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A BOOKING.

For expert advice on how to relieve your hip pain from the comfort of your own home, book an online physical therapy consultation HERE.

The adductor muscles are a group of three thin muscles that run along the inner thigh. Collectively, they’re called the “groin muscles,” and they have the function of pulling your leg inward. This type of movement is often seen in riders kicking a ball sideways. They also help balance your body on uneven surfaces and can stabilize your core when moving sideways. In the case of restricted mobility or pain due to complaints in the groin area, physiotherapy offers can be a good starting point on the road to recovery.

A groin strain is commonly known in the medical community as an adductor strain. It’s a common injury that tears the adductor muscle or muscles on the inside of the thigh. Groin strains are more common in people who participate in competitive sports such as football, baseball, karate, tennis, and running (typically sprinting).

Related Content: Learn how to prevent sports injuries

A groin strain is the result of a sudden contraction of the adductor muscles when they are in the extended/extended position. If the force going through the muscle is too great, it can tear the muscle fibers, resulting in a muscle strain. Pain can vary between a dull ache and a sharp, intense ache. Usually, the pain is more acute when walking or moving the leg. You may also feel uncomfortable spasms in your inner thigh muscles.

Symptoms of a groin strain

Symptoms of a grain variety range from mild to severe, depending on the injury. If you have any of the following symptoms, you have most likely torn your Achilles tendon

Sudden sharp pain up the inside of your leg or in the groin area

Groin discomfort described as “pulling”.

Touch sensitive in the groin

Walking may be impaired (depending on the severity of the strain)

pain while running

swelling/bruising (uncommon)

weakness in your leg

How to manage your groin strain

1. Stop all exercises

Do not continue any exercises and seek advice from your osteopath or physical therapist. To avoid aggravating the injury, it is often advisable to rest the leg initially, e.g. B. on a stool. After about 48 hours, gentle movement is encouraged. Painkillers or anti-inflammatories may be helpful, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

2. Apply RICE

RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, which relieves pain and reduces swelling. Ice should be applied to the area for 10-15 minutes every few hours. If an ice pack isn’t available, a bag of frozen peas is a great alternative, but make sure you wrap it in a damp towel to avoid burning your skin.

3. Treat quickly

If possible, groin strains should be treated within 24 to 48 hours of the injury occurring. This helps reduce bleeding and inflammation and also relieves pain in the area. A treatment program from your osteopath or physical therapist can help speed up the healing process and recovery time. This usually includes exercises that restore proper movement and mobility to the leg. Soft tissue massage, ultrasound therapy, and taping techniques can be helpful to speed healing and reduce pain.

4. See a physical therapist

Subsequent physiotherapy is of crucial importance, especially for competitive athletes, since rehabilitation exercises allow you to achieve the full strength of your adductor muscles.

Recovery time is highly dependent on the location of the tear and the severity of the tear. Manual treatment can improve recovery, as can a home exercise program. If the tear is high in the adductor tendon, recovery can be significantly slower, taking around 12-16 weeks. A tear in the mid-abdominal muscle usually takes between 4 and 12 weeks to heal, depending on the severity of the tear.

On rare occasions, you may need crutches to help you walk.

Simple groin loading exercises to try

It’s important not to move your leg too much for the first 48 hours after the injury. After this time, some basic exercises can help you return to a normal level of activity.

stretch floor

1. Lie face up on the floor (legs should be extended and straight)

2. Slowly move the right leg to the side of the body

4. Bring the leg back to a central position

5. Repeat with left leg

squat

1. Lie face up on the floor (legs should be extended and straight)

2. Keeping your foot on the floor, bend your right leg

3. Repeat with left leg

chairlift

1. Sit in a chair

2. Keeping knee bent, lift right foot to just below hip level (hold for a few seconds)

3. Put your foot back on the floor

4. Repeat with left leg

bruise knees

1. Sit in a chair

2. Place a soft ball or rolled towel between your knees

3. Gently squeeze the ball or towel for a few seconds

4. repeat a few times

side lift

1. Lie on the right side of your body

2. Support your body by leaning on your right elbow

3. Place your left hand in front of your body for balance

4. Keep your left leg straight and gently lift it up

If any of the exercises cause more pain, stop immediately and see a doctor.

If your groin is causing you a lot of discomfort, you may want to see a physical therapist. We have multiple locations across southern England. So if you want to visit us, you can find the clinic closest to you below.

One of the things that is often taught in self-defense classes is how to hit an attacker at the vulnerable body pressure points. This is a dangerous action and should only be used in situations where you feel your life is in danger and you have no other chance to escape.

If you try to hit your attacker at the vulnerable pressure points, you most likely only have ONE CHANCE to get it right. If you don’t disable them on the first attempt to hit the pressure points, they’re likely to get even angrier and put you in more serious danger. Here is a list of the five most vulnerable body points to hit an attacker:

Eyes

Jabbing someone in the eye with a finger or other object can cause temporary or permanent blindness. It’s also incredibly painful and will hopefully disable your attacker long enough for you to escape.

strip

This is probably the most painful place a man or woman can get hit. A very hard knee in the groin area will damage and possibly tear a man’s testicles and cause serious pain in a woman as well. However, this movement must be executed correctly, since the deflected grazing blow has little effect. If you find the right spot, your attacker will fall to their knees almost immediately, unable to continue attacking you, allowing you to escape.

Adam’s apple

A blow to this area of ​​the neck can be extremely painful and disabling. It can also cause the airways to collapse. This move can actually be deadly if executed in a certain way. This is definitely a move that should only be used when you feel like your life is definitely in danger.

kneecaps

A quick kick to the front of the knee can fracture the kneecap or dislocate the knee, causing the attacker to be temporarily disabled and certainly unable to pursue you, allowing you to escape.

temple

A strong blow to the temple will incapacitate the attacker. Even better is using a bat or bat if you have one. This is another potentially fatal step.

Here’s what NOT to do…

Punching someone in the stomach or face is often ineffective unless you are very large and strong.

Slapping only irritates your attacker and may make him even more aggressive towards you.

As a woman, if you are being attacked by a man, you need to use the above pressure points to your advantage. It may be your only chance to survive or escape from a physical attack. When you’re fighting for your life, there are no limits and you must do everything you can to protect yourself, including trying to hit a pressure point, even if the results can be permanently crippling or deadly for the attacker.

If you are acting in self-defense, your rights should be protected. The key is to get it right the first time, you’ll probably only have one try. Taking a self-defense class, where you learn more about using pressure points to defend yourself and even have opportunities to role-play, is a smart way to protect yourself.

For people interested in reflexology or acupressure, the hands have many pressure points. Read on for more information on hand pressure points.

Acupressure and reflexology practitioners use pressure points in their healing treatments.

Using pressure points is a non-invasive and relatively risk-free practice, so it’s usually safe to use alongside doctor-recommended treatments.

There is limited research to support the use of pressure points to help a person heal. However, there is much more research on the use of acupuncture, which uses needles instead of just pressure.

The human body contains many pressure points, and some people believe that pressing on these points can affect other parts of the body and overall health.

People still practice these therapies today, although scientists have not studied their methods or effectiveness.

Pressure points are areas of the body that reflect the acupressure points used in traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional practitioners identified specific spots that they believed improved the flow of energy through the body.

Reflexologists can use the following hand pressure points:

lung meridian

The Lung meridian is located on the edge of the palm, running from the tip of the thumb to just past the crease of the wrist.

According to reflexologists, rubbing a sore along this line can help relieve symptoms associated with a cold, such as sneezing, chills, and a sore throat.

heart 7

A person can find heart point 7 on the wrist, just on the outside of a small bone that lines up with the pinky. The traditional name for this point means “ghost gate”.

People who support the use of pressure points believe that applying pressure to the 7 of heart prevents:

Inner goal point

The inner gate point is not immediately obvious. To find it, place your palm up and use three fingers to measure about 1 inch along your wrist.

The inner gate point here is approximately in the middle of the wrist.

Practitioners recommend firmly massaging this pressure point with the thumb of the other hand to relieve nausea and abdominal pain. It can also help with other digestive problems.

hand valley point

A person can find the palm valley point between the index finger and the thumb.

Practitioners claim that applying firm pressure to the valley point of the hand can reduce stress, stop migraines, and stop pain in the following areas:

Shoulders

teeth

neck

Outer goal point

The outer tapping point is almost parallel to the inner tapping point on the top of the hand and arm, between two tendons.

Proponents say that applying pressure here increases a person’s energy and boosts the immune system.

base of thumb point

A person can locate the base of the thumb point by running a finger down the palmar side of the thumb until it reaches the wrist crease.

Reflexologists believe that applying gentle pressure to this point can help relieve breathing problems and breathing difficulties.

small intestine 3

The small intestine 3-point is on the side of the hand just below the pinky and over one of the large creases of the hand.

Some people claim that applying firm pressure to this point can help relieve earaches, occipital headaches, and neck pain.

Ten dispersions

The tips of each finger house these ten pressure points.

Applying pressure or acupuncture to these points can help relieve some common flu symptoms, such as a high fever or sore throat.

Some practitioners also believe that applying pressure can help treat coma or epilepsy.

Four seams

A person can find the four seams on the inside of each of the major joints in the index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers.

Proponents of acupressure believe these points can help treat digestive problems, especially in children.

If you’ve ever experienced pain from inflammation or another type of trauma, pressure point massage could be a massage therapy to consider. This type of massage therapy is designed to treat trigger point pain. Before discussing pressure point massage with your massage therapist, it’s important to learn more about what it is and how it can help with pain.

What is pressure point massage?

Trigger or pressure point massage is all about identifying trigger points for your pain and applying targeted pressure to those trigger points to release and relieve pain.

This massage technique can help with pain caused by muscle overuse, inflammation, injury, posture, electrolyte imbalance, infection, or nerve damage.

The idea behind pressure point massage is that the body often transfers pain to another part of the body. This type of induced pain is called bursitis. For example, an inflamed trigger point in the back can cause severe pain in the shoulder.

To perform pressure point massage, the massage therapist applies firm pressure with a finger, elbow, or a device, focusing on specific trigger points (which are often far from the area affected by pain) that are painful when pressed. By loosening the trigger point with firm pressure and combining it with other massage techniques, the original problem can be alleviated or even healed.

Examples of issues that could be helped with pressure point massage include sore shoulders, sore knees, headaches, foot pain, or any other type of physical ailment that is in unexplained pain.

What is the difference between trigger and pressure point massage?

Trigger and pressure point massage are essentially the same thing. The name “trigger point massage” refers to pain being triggered by inflammation or trauma in another area of ​​the body. The term “pressure point massage” underscores the fact that the treatment is all about applying pressure to the right points in the body to help heal pain.

Pressure point massage can benefit trigger point-based pain because it’s designed to find the root cause (the trigger points) and apply pressure to help those areas relax; In turn, it heals the area that is in pain.

What to expect from a pressure point massage

The greatest benefit of pressure point massage is its potential for pain relief. By tackling the problem at its root, pressure point massage can provide an effective, lasting, and healing result.

Initially, the massage therapist will assess your injury or pain problem and discuss appropriate types of treatment with you before proceeding. In pressure point massage, the massage therapist applies pressure to identified trigger points for up to 60 seconds, but the time frame for each application of pressure can be up to 10 seconds, depending on what is appropriate for the problem.

During the process, you may feel cramps or pain as the massage therapist applies pressure to the appropriate trigger points. Qualified massage therapists know how to apply sufficient pressure without overstimulating the trigger point.

Not all masseurs approach pressure point massage the same way. Some massage therapists work around the problem area first before using trigger point massage to relieve and resolve the problem. This ensures you’ve relieved all associated muscle groups and makes for a gentler approach.

Depending on your specific pain problem, you may only need a few treatment sessions. If you have severe pain or a chronic condition you may need more treatments spread over a period of months or more and it could be a complementary technique used in conjunction with other massage strategies. Your pressure point massage treatment plan can also be done in combination with medication, physical therapy, and other forms of treatment.

With a massage therapist experienced in trigger point massage, you may experience faster pain relief and healing depending on your specific pain issue.

Would you like to learn how to perform a trigger point massage?

Discover Massage is a highly regarded, industry recognized massage training school that has been helping students become qualified, confident massage therapists across Australia since 1997 in a fun and friendly environment. Find out more about our courses here.