Trigger points—those painful, tight knots in muscle—are one of the most common reasons people seek help from an osteopath. They can cause local pain, refer discomfort to distant areas, and restrict movement. While they don’t show up on scans, skilled hands can both find and treat them. Two of the most effective approaches osteopaths use are manual therapy and dry needling.
Manual Therapy for Trigger Points by Osteopaths
Osteopaths are trained to use their hands to assess and release muscle tension. For trigger points, they may apply a combination of techniques:
1. Ischemic Compression
• The osteopath presses directly on the trigger point with steady pressure.
• This temporarily reduces blood flow to the area.
• When the pressure is released, fresh blood rushes back in, flushing out metabolic waste and reducing pain.
2. Stretching and Muscle Energy Techniques (METs)
• Once the muscle is less irritable, gentle stretching is applied.
• METs involve contracting and relaxing the muscle in a guided way to “reset” its tone.
• This helps restore flexibility and reduces recurrence.
3. Soft Tissue Massage
• Deep tissue and myofascial release techniques are used to relax surrounding tightness.
• This can help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and calm the nervous system.
4. Joint Mobilisation
• Sometimes, restricted joints around the affected muscle contribute to trigger points.
• Gentle mobilisation restores proper biomechanics, preventing overload of certain muscles.
Dry Needling for Trigger Point
Dry needling is another tool some osteopaths are trained to use. It involves:
1. Fine Needle Insertion
• A thin, sterile needle (like an acupuncture needle) is inserted directly into the trigger point.
• No medication is injected—hence the term “dry.”
2.Local Twitch Response
• Often, the muscle will briefly twitch when the needle hits the trigger point.
• This indicates the tight fibers are releasing.
3. Physiological Effects
• Increases local blood flow.
• Normalises nerve signaling.
• Reduces pain by releasing endorphins and interrupting pain pathways.
4. Aftercare
• Patients may feel a dull ache or mild soreness afterward.
• This usually resolves within 24–48 hours and is often followed by reduced pain and improved movement.
Combining the Two Approaches
• Manual therapy works well for restoring overall mobility and reducing global muscle tension.
• Dry needling provides a more targeted way of deactivating stubborn trigger points.
• Together, they help break the pain–spasm–pain cycle and improve long-term function.
The Holistic Osteopathic Perspective
An osteopath doesn’t just treat the painful spot. They also look at:
• Posture and biomechanics (e.g., workplace ergonomics, gait).
• Stress and lifestyle factors contributing to muscle tension.
• Rehabilitation exercises to maintain progress.
This holistic approach reduces the chance of trigger points returning and supports long-term recovery.