Pressure points, also known as "muscle knots" or "trigger points," are taut bands of muscle fibers that refuse to relax. When pressure is applied to the muscle, the "knot" can be felt underneath the skin. Usually hyper-irritable, pressure points cause pain in the muscle or other parts of the body. Massage therapists use a variety of tools to ease pressure points and relax muscles.
Tennis Ball
Using a tennis ball on a pressure point is a common self-massage technique. This technique works particularly well with parts of the body that cannot be reached for self-massage, such as the back. The patient lies down with the tennis ball on the muscle. He rolls his body, working the ball into the muscle and kneading it to "smooth" out the muscle.
Rolling Massager
A rolling massager smooths muscles in a similar fashion as a roller used for cooking. Typically used by a masseuse, the roller is moved over tense muscles, releasing muscular contractions and making them "smooth" again. A rolling massager typically is not used in self-massage.
Hot and Cold Pressure Point Tool
A hot and cold pressure point tool is a device that is used to apply heat and cold directly to muscles. Shaped like a ballpoint pen, a massage therapist places the tool directly onto the knot, transferring heat and cold to help the muscle relax and applying pressure to work out the muscle knot.
Self-Care Canes
Many companies make "self-care canes," or sticks shaped like the letter "S." The canes are bent to enable the user to apply pressure to back muscles. The user holds one end and uses the other end to apply pressure directly to muscles.
Tags: apply pressure, directly muscles, heat cold, muscle knot, parts body