Trigger point therapy

in Berlin

What is trigger point therapy?

Trigger point therapy is a treatment method for painful and tense areas of the muscles.

Myofascial trigger points are pressure-sensitive areas within a muscle that can cause pain or radiate to other parts of the body. Typical trigger points are found in the neck, shoulders, back, buttocks, or thighs. The discomfort can be localized or manifest as referred pain.

In our private practice ORTHO EINS in Berlin-Zehlendorf, we use trigger point therapy particularly when an orthopedic examination reveals a muscular-myofascial component to the symptoms. The aim of the treatment is to influence muscle tension, reduce pain, and support normal muscle mobility and function.

Function, risks, areas of application

How does the therapy work?

A myofascial trigger point can be associated with increased local muscle tension, pain, and restricted movement. Targeted treatment of the affected muscle area aims to influence this tension. The dysfunction does not necessarily have to be felt at the location of the trigger point itself: A trigger point in the trapezius muscle or the levator scapulae muscle, for example, can cause neck pain, headaches, or pain behind the eyes.

Imaging techniques such as X-rays or ultrasound do not visualize trigger points. Therefore, diagnosis is made by carefully palpating the affected muscles.

In acupuncture, a thin needle is inserted precisely into the affected muscle. This triggers a local muscle response. The goal is to reduce painful muscle tension and support the function of the affected muscle. For certain conditions, shockwave therapy can also be used as a complementary treatment – you can find more information on our shockwave therapy page.

Our doctors do not focus solely on the point of pain during treatment. Crucially, they consider which factors – such as posture, movement patterns, or pre-existing conditions – contribute to the development and maintenance of the symptoms.

Areas of application in orthopedics

In our orthopedic practice, we use trigger point therapy particularly when a myofascial cause or contributing factor to the symptoms is suspected. Possible applications include:

Neck and shoulder pain
Certain forms of back pain
Muscle-related complaints in the hip area
Pain in the buttocks area
Muscular pain in the arms and legs
Muscle-related movement restrictions
Achilles tendon and other tendon problems
Joint pain in the elbow, knee, or hip
Pain caused by the sciatic nerve

It’s important to know that not all pain is caused by a trigger point. Discomfort can also originate in joints, tendons, nerves, or other structures. Therefore, our doctors conduct a medical examination before every treatment to determine the cause of the discomfort and whether trigger point therapy is suitable in each individual case.

Scientific status and evidence

Trigger point therapy is now considered an established method for myofascial pain – however, its effectiveness in each individual case depends heavily on the chosen method, the specific symptoms, and personal circumstances. That’s precisely why we begin every treatment with a thorough orthopedic examination: only when it’s clear whether and to what extent trigger points are involved in the symptoms can we assess whether the therapy is appropriate in the individual case.

In practice, we rarely use trigger point therapy in isolation. Depending on the specific symptoms, we combine it with movement, physiotherapy, or targeted muscle training – with the aim not only of alleviating acute pain but also of regaining greater mobility and quality of life in the long term.

Benefits and risks

When used correctly, trigger point therapy has some clear advantages:

It specifically targets painful and tense muscle areas.
It can noticeably reduce pain if the indication is appropriate.
can improve mobility and muscle function
It can be easily combined with other conservative orthopedic measures in our practice.

Like any treatment, it also has its limits:

Temporary pain, tenderness, or a slight feeling of muscle soreness may occur.
Small bruises or local irritations are occasionally possible during a needle treatment.
The extent of the effect depends on the treatment technique and the treated body region.
Therefore, our doctors always discuss possible contraindications and individual risk factors with you beforehand.

Who is suitable?

Trigger point therapy may be particularly suitable for adults if our doctors identify a significant myofascial component to the symptoms during an orthopedic examination. Children and adolescents can also be affected by myofascial trigger points – in this case, treatment is provided within our pediatric orthopedics department .

Treatment may be considered, for example, in the following cases:

muscle-related pain and tension
myofascial complaints
Limited mobility, if it is caused by muscular issues
Conditions where trigger points are identified as a contributing factor

Whether trigger point therapy is suitable for you personally will be determined in a personal consultation based on:

the cause and duration of your symptoms
your general state of health
possible accompanying illnesses
Your medications

Procedure of a treatment in our practice

Consultation and diagnostics: Our doctors begin treatment by recording your symptoms, their course and possible triggers.
Physical examination: They examine the affected body regions and specifically check the muscles for painful and tense areas.
Individual assessment: They evaluate whether a myofascial trigger point could be the cause or contributing cause of the symptoms.
Targeted treatment: Depending on the diagnosis, the therapy is performed manually or using a fine needle and is tailored to your symptoms, the affected area of the body, and your overall health. A treatment session typically lasts about 20 minutes.
Additional measures: Depending on the findings, physiotherapy, targeted exercise, muscle training or changes in the load may be part of the treatment concept, which we will coordinate with you.
Follow-up monitoring: In the further course of treatment, we check how symptoms and mobility develop and whether the treatment should be adjusted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the treatment painful?

The treatment may be temporarily uncomfortable. Manual treatment may cause noticeable pressure pain. A temporary sensation of pressure or pain may also occur with acupuncture. The muscles may be temporarily sensitive after the treatment.

When will the first results be noticeable?

A change in pain or mobility may occur after just one treatment. However, the individual course of treatment varies and depends, among other things, on the cause, duration, and severity of the symptoms.

How many treatments are necessary?

The number of treatments depends on the individual patient’s symptoms. For some patients, a single treatment can bring about a change in their symptoms. For others, several sessions are more effective. Therefore, a general number of treatments cannot be specified.

Are there any risks or side effects?

Yes. Possible side effects include temporary pain, tenderness, or minor bruising. Needle techniques also carry other specific risks depending on the treated area. Therefore, it is assessed before treatment whether the method is suitable for the individual case.

Is trigger point therapy covered by health insurance?

Reimbursement for trigger point therapy depends on various factors and should be discussed with your health insurance provider and at our practice on a case-by-case basis. Trigger point therapy is recognized as a medical treatment under certain conditions, particularly when there is a clear myofascial finding and the treatment is medically necessary.

We recommend contacting your health insurance provider before starting therapy to clarify coverage in your specific case. During the orthopedic examination, we will work with you to determine whether trigger point therapy is appropriate for your symptoms and what coverage options are available.