Persistent Muscle Knots: How A Physio Clinic Can Help With Myofascial Trigger Point Pain

Muscle knots are areas of muscle tenderness or tightness that can cause discomfort during movement or even at rest. They commonly occur around the neck, shoulders, upper back and lower back, sometimes making everyday activities such as sitting at a desk, turning your head or lifting objects uncomfortable. Myofascial trigger points may contribute to localised pain or referred pain, where discomfort is felt in another part of the body. 

When muscle tightness persists or keeps returning, visiting a physio clinic can help identify possible contributing factors and determine suitable treatment options. A physiotherapist may recommend myofascial trigger point therapy alongside other approaches to help manage symptoms and improve movement. Learn more about this treatment here https://physioactive.sg/our-services/clinical-massage/myofascial-trigger-point-therapy/. 

What Causes Myofascial Trigger Point Pain?

Myofascial trigger points are sensitive areas within muscles that may be associated with tenderness, tightness and pain. They can develop in different muscle groups and may be influenced by factors such as prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, sustained postures or physical overexertion. For example, spending long hours at a computer may contribute to neck and shoulder discomfort, while strenuous exercise without adequate recovery may leave certain muscles feeling sore and tender. 

Stress and changes in activity levels may also influence muscle tension and pain sensitivity. However, not every muscle knot is a trigger point and persistent muscle pain can have other causes. Identifying the factors contributing to discomfort is an important step towards selecting appropriate treatment and reducing the likelihood of recurring symptoms.

Symptoms That May Indicate Myofascial Trigger Point Pain

Myofascial trigger point pain can present differently depending on the affected muscle and the individual’s condition. The discomfort may be localised to one area or felt in another part of the body through referred pain. 

Common symptoms include:

• Localised Muscle Tenderness: A sensitive spot within a muscle that feels painful when touched or pressed.
• Muscle Stiffness: Tightness around the neck, shoulders or back that makes certain movements uncomfortable.
• Restricted Range of Motion: Difficulty turning the head, raising an arm or moving comfortably through a normal range.
• Referred Pain: Discomfort that spreads beyond the sensitive muscle area, such as shoulder muscle tenderness accompanied by pain around the neck or upper back.
• Recurring Muscle Discomfort: Symptoms that return after prolonged sitting, repetitive activities or physical exertion.

These symptoms do not necessarily confirm the presence of myofascial trigger points, as other musculoskeletal conditions can cause similar problems.

How A Physio Clinic Assesses Muscle Knots

When muscle knots persist or repeatedly cause discomfort, a physiotherapist can conduct an assessment to understand the possible causes and identify suitable treatment options. This usually begins with questions about when the symptoms started, which activities aggravate the pain and whether there is a history of injury or recurring muscle tension.

The physical assessment may include:

• Muscle Palpation: Checking for areas of tenderness, sensitivity or tightness in the affected muscles.
• Range of Motion Tests: Assessing whether muscle discomfort limits normal joint or body movements.
• Strength and Functional Tests: Evaluating muscle strength and identifying movements that reproduce symptoms.
• Posture and Movement Assessment: Examining how daily activities, exercise techniques or sustained positions may contribute to discomfort.

How Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy May Help 

Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy focuses on sensitive areas within muscles that may contribute to localised tenderness, referred pain or movement discomfort. Depending on the assessment findings, a physiotherapist may use manual pressure, targeted soft tissue techniques or other appropriate methods to address the affected area. 

The treatment is generally adjusted according to the location of the discomfort, the individual’s pain sensitivity and their response during the session. Potential aims of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy include:

• Reducing Muscle Discomfort: Applying targeted techniques to help manage tenderness in affected muscle areas.
• Improving Movement Comfort: Helping individuals move more comfortably when muscle sensitivity contributes to restricted movement.
• Addressing Referred Pain: Targeting suspected trigger points that may be associated with discomfort in other areas.
• Supporting Rehabilitation: Preparing individuals to participate more comfortably in prescribed stretching, strengthening or mobility exercises.

At a physio clinic, the combination of treatments should be tailored to the individual’s assessment findings and response to rehabilitation. As symptoms improve, the physiotherapist may adjust the treatment plan to support a gradual return to normal activities and help the individual manage future episodes of muscle discomfort. 

Combining Trigger Point Therapy With Other Physiotherapy Treatments

Although Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy may help manage muscle tenderness, addressing persistent discomfort often requires a broader approach. A physiotherapist may combine hands-on treatment with stretching and mobility exercises to improve flexibility and restore comfortable movement. 

Progressive strengthening exercises may also be introduced to build muscle strength and endurance, particularly when weakness contributes to movement difficulties. In addition, movement retraining can help identify habits that place repeated strain on certain muscle groups, while activity modification may involve adjusting exercise intensity, taking regular breaks from prolonged sitting and allowing adequate recovery between physical activities. 

Advice on workstation ergonomics and daily movement habits may also be helpful for individuals who experience recurring neck, shoulder or back discomfort. At a physio clinic, the treatment plan should be tailored to the individual’s assessment findings, symptoms and rehabilitation goals, with adjustments made as their condition improves.

Conclusion

Persistent muscle knots can affect daily comfort and movement, particularly when they involve the neck, shoulders or back. Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy may help manage muscle tenderness as part of an individualised treatment plan that also includes exercises and changes to daily habits. Identifying the possible causes of recurring discomfort is an important step towards choosing suitable treatment options. Experiencing persistent muscle discomfort or recurring muscle knots? Contact our clinic to discuss suitable care options, at:

PhysioActive (Orchard)

Orchard Branch at Camden Medical Centre #11-05

Singapore 248649

+656235 2647

PhysioActive (CBD)

CBD Branch at 160 Robinson Road, #05-03

SBF Center Singapore 068914

+656438 0162

PhysioActive (Jurong)

Jurong Branch at 2 Venture Drive Vision Exchange #02-13/14

Singapore 608526

+656258 5602

PhysioActive (Novena Specialist Center)

Novena Branch at 8 Sinaran Drive Novena Specialist Center #07-12

Singapore 307470

+65 6734 4707