American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Practice Test

Trigger point therapy focuses on specific muscle bands that may become tight and form knots known as trigger points. These trigger points can lead to referred pain, where pain is felt in areas of the body that are not directly affected.

The neck and shoulders are particularly susceptible to the formation of trigger points due to a combination of factors such as poor posture, stress, and repetitive movements. Tension in these areas can contribute to discomfort not only in the neck and shoulders themselves but also potentially radiate to other regions like the head (causing tension headaches) or upper back.

By targeting these areas, trigger point therapy can help release the tightness and improve overall mobility, making it an effective treatment for many individuals who experience pain originating from their neck and shoulders. While other body parts like the back, legs, or feet can also be treated for various issues, the neck and shoulders are especially recognized in the context of trigger point therapy due to their frequent involvement in tension-related pain.