Trigger points are sore spots that occur in a muscle; they’re big enough to feel, and most people know them as muscle knots. Trigger points may be active or latent.

 

Muscle pain is the result of active trigger points. Latent trigger points lie dormant in the muscle, only to cause pain at some future point when stress, tension or movement releases them. Practitioners of trigger point therapy believe that latent trigger points are behind the joint stiffness and limited range of movement that accompanies old age.

Sports massage was originally developed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training. Sports massage emphasizes prevention and healing of injuries to the muscles and tendons.

 

But you don't have to be and athelete to benefit from sports massage. Sports massage is also good for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion.