Ever wondered why after a massage session you have a mild headache or if a certain area of your body is a little sore than it was previously?

 

It's pretty good indication that your therapist activated a latent trigger point. A latent trigger point is a trigger point that remains hidden until it is activated by touch. The symptoms are or not limited to headaches, spasms, tenderness and limited range of motion. After the latent trigger points is activated it will need to be treated like a normal trigger point. It is always good to find a therapist that is knowledgeable in trigger point therapy before requesting a massage appointment.

 

The reasons behind the Latent trigger point could be caused by a nerve entrapment, referral pain, stress, tension, trauma or recent injury to the muscle.

 

Latent points do happen and it not your therapist fault. Sometimes a client will get a massage therapist that is not knowledgeable with trigger point therapy and that therapist will set off a trigger point. Other times the symptoms do not present themselves till after the massage. I've had too many clients complain that they would never see their former massage therapist because they received a headache after the session.  I pose one question to those clients: Did you inform your therapist about this issue and did they resolve it? The answer is usually no.

 

Make sure to inform them that you have a headache or any unresolved muscle discomfort. A good therapist will work out the active trigger point to reduce the symptoms. Sometimes it takes more than one session to work out a trigger point issues. 

 

Please remember to address any issues you may have with your massage therapist before you leave the office. It is necessary to speak up if you are still in discomfort.

 

Suzan Walker, LMT, CR, LDT
Connective Integration Massage Therapy
Arlington, Texas​

 

Massage therapy is not a substitution for medical treatment. The massage therapist cannot diagnose, treat or prevent disease. The therapist can only recommend products and services. Please consult a medical physician.