How Manual Therapy Reduces Muscle Spasms
Trigger point therapy reduces muscle spasms through several physiological and neurological mechanisms that target the underlying cause of the spasm — the “trigger point” itself. The narrative surrounding trigger point release is often miscontrued. Allow me to offer some clarity.
When a muscle fiber is overworked or injured, a small area of hyperirritable muscle (the trigger point) can form. This area stays in a sustained contraction, cutting off blood flow and leading to pain and chemical buildup.
The pain causes the nervous system to keep the muscle tense (a protective spasm).
Trigger point therapy applies sustained pressure to that spot, which stimulates sensory receptors that tell the spinal cord to reduce motor neuron activity, allowing the muscle to relax.
Sustained contraction in a trigger point restricts local circulation, causing oxygen deprivation (ischemia) and accumulation of metabolic waste like lactic acid.
When pressure is applied and then released, reactive hyperemia occurs — fresh blood rushes into the area, bringing oxygen and nutrients.
This helps flush out waste products and restore the muscle’s normal metabolism, easing the spasm.
Muscle spindles are sensory receptors that monitor stretch and tension. In a trigger point, they become overly sensitive, constantly signaling contraction.
Sustained manual pressure or needling can “reset” spindle sensitivity, allowing the muscle to return to its normal resting tone.
By stimulating pressure and pain receptors (mechanoreceptors and nociceptors) in the trigger point, therapy activates descending inhibitory pathways in the nervous system — the body’s natural pain control systems.
This reduces perceived pain and decreases reflexive muscle guarding or spasm.
In case you weren’t aware, this is part of how a physical therapist can help you reduce pain. If you’re struggling to overcome an injury, physical therapy could be the answer!