College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

How does trigger point therapy typically work?

1. Increased blood flow followed by ischemia

2. Decreased blood flow followed by ischemia

3. Direct massage of the muscle only

4. Use of heat only

The correct answer is: Decreased blood flow followed by ischemia

Trigger point therapy primarily works by addressing areas of muscle tissue that are hyperirritable, known as trigger points. These points can cause referred pain and discomfort elsewhere in the body. The therapy involves a specific technique of applying pressure to these hyperirritable areas, which can lead to a process that involves sustained muscle contraction. In the context of decreased blood flow followed by ischemia, during the application of pressure to a trigger point, there's often a temporary reduction in blood flow. This ischemia can lead to an increase in metabolic by-products (due to reduced circulation) in the muscle tissue. Once the pressure is released, the blood flow returns, helping to flush out these by-products and facilitating healing. The theory behind this is that the cycle of minor ischemia followed by increased blood flow aids in the relaxation of the muscle. This is beneficial in restoring normal function and reducing pain. The compression techniques can contribute to this cycle, making the correct understanding of this interplay between blood flow and muscular tension crucial for effective treatment in trigger point therapy. This is why recognizing the importance of ischemia in the context of trigger point therapy is vital for understanding its physiological effects and therapeutic outcomes.