My Journey in Massage School: Understanding Active and Latent Trigger Points Through Assessment
- Christina Aldan
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 5
Two Types
Today in school, I had an eye-opening experience learning about trigger points. As a massage student, understanding these sensitive areas in muscle tissue is crucial for effective treatment. I discovered that trigger points can be categorized into two types: active and latent. Each type has specific characteristics and implications for pain management.
Active trigger points cause pain even when you are at rest or moving around. In contrast, latent trigger points only become painful when pressure is applied. This distinction is key for us massage therapists because it helps identify the source of our clients' discomfort and improve their treatment strategies.
From my experience, the location of the pain often corresponds directly to the trigger point itself. I have encountered cases of referred pain, where the pain is felt in a different area than the trigger point. However, most of the time, the trigger point is indeed the source of the pain. Honing one's intuition is vital for effective assessment and treatment of client discomfort.
Trigger points develop in the fascia. They can be caused by various factors, including aging, injuries from falls, stress, or even birth trauma. Additionally, a study found that 55% of sedentary individuals aged 27 to 55 years experience the formation of painful spots due to a lack of exercise.
Poor posture is another significant contributor to trigger points. Many of us spend hours hunched over laptops, looking down at our phone, or slouched on couches, which can lead to the development of these sensitive areas. For instance, a person who works in an office setting may develop active trigger points in their shoulders due to prolonged sitting in a poor posture.
During our demonstration classes and our work in the student clinic, we practice our skills in palpating to assess trigger points. This hands-on experience is invaluable. By applying pressure to specific areas, we learned identify whether a trigger point was active or latent. We look for indicators such as fascial restrictions, local tenderness, and local twitch response during this assessment process.
Direct compression or muscle contraction can trigger these responses. It feels like a subtle interaction between the therapist and the client, where communication flows through touch.
One aspect of trigger points is referred pain. This occurs when pain is felt in a different location than the source of the problem. For example, pain in the jaw or left arm can occur during a heart attack, although the heart is the actual source of the discomfort.
Radiating pain shares similarities with referred pain but has distinct differences. For example, chest pain from a heart attack may radiate to the arm, but this experience is not classified as referred pain. Understanding these nuances is crucial for preparing us to work with clients who exhibit various pain patterns.
Finishing up Massage School
As I progress in my journey through massage school, I am increasingly aware of how both active and latent trigger points can restrict muscle movement and flexibility. Both types can lead to discomfort and limit a person's range of motion. This demonstrates the importance of our role as massage therapists in using our skills to palpate the source of pain and help improve movement.
Overall, my experience today in school has deepened my understanding of trigger points and their relevance in massage therapy. As I continue to explore the world of trigger point therapy, I am enthusiastic. Whether addressing active trigger points that cause pain during rest or latent ones that reveal themselves under pressure, I am committed to the potential to make a real difference in people's lives
I look forward to sharing more of my journey in massage school and the insights I gain along the way. Understanding trigger points is just one piece of the puzzle, but it is a vital one that will undoubtedly enrich my practice as a massage therapist. Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to receive more tips, case studies, and updates about my massage school journey.
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