What are Trigger Points?

Understanding Trigger Points: The Hidden Culprit Behind Chronic Pain and Muscle Tightness

If you’ve ever experienced a nagging knot in your shoulder, an unexplained tightness in your lower back, or a deep, aching sensation in your legs after sitting too long, chances are you’ve encountered a trigger point. These small but powerful muscle contractions can be the underlying cause of chronic pain, restricted mobility, and even tension headaches—yet they often go unnoticed or misdiagnosed.

At Box Acupuncture, we specialize in treating trigger points using acupuncture, cupping therapy, and dry needling, providing lasting relief for high-performing individuals in San Jose, Los Gatos, Willow Glen, and Campbell. If you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or someone dealing with persistent muscle tension, understanding and treating trigger points is key to better movement, faster recovery, and pain-free living.

What Exactly Is a Trigger Point?

A trigger point is a hyper-irritable spot in a muscle that forms when muscle fibers become tight, overworked, or stressed. These knots can create localized pain or even refer pain to different parts of the body. Imagine a trigger point as a traffic jam on the highway—everything behind it gets congested, creating a ripple effect of tension and discomfort.

Common Symptoms of Trigger Points:

  • Persistent muscle tightness that doesn’t go away with stretching

  • Referred pain (for example, a trigger point in the shoulder causing headaches)

  • Limited range of motion and stiffness

  • Sensitivity to pressure in certain muscle areas

  • Muscle weakness or fatigue

What Causes Trigger Points?

Trigger points don’t just appear out of nowhere. They are often the result of:

  • Poor posture and repetitive movements (think sitting at a desk all day or lifting weights improperly)

  • Stress and tension, which cause muscles to tighten and stay in a contracted state

  • Muscle imbalances or overuse injuries

  • Dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, which impair muscle function

  • Inadequate recovery, leading to accumulated micro-trauma in the muscles

How Acupuncture, Cupping Therapy, and Dry Needling Can Help

Traditional treatments like massage and stretching can provide temporary relief, but they don’t always resolve the underlying issue. That’s where acupuncture, cupping, and dry needling come in—targeting trigger points at a deeper level to break the cycle of pain and dysfunction.

1. Acupuncture: Restoring Energy Flow and Relaxing Muscles

  • Stimulates the body’s natural healing response

  • Increases blood flow to release trigger points

  • Reduces inflammation and calms the nervous system

2. Cupping Therapy: Decompressing Tight Muscles

  • Creates a vacuum effect that lifts and loosens muscle adhesions

  • Enhances circulation and oxygenation to tense areas

  • Provides deep tissue relief without excessive pressure

3. Dry Needling: Precision Trigger Point Release

  • Directly deactivates muscle knots and spasms

  • Improves mobility and muscle function

  • Offers rapid relief from chronic pain and tightness

How Often Should You Get Treatment?

For optimal results, we recommend:

  • Acute pain relief: 2-3 sessions per week for 2-4 weeks

  • Maintenance and prevention: 1 session per week or bi-weekly

  • Post-workout recovery and stress relief: Regular sessions help maintain peak muscle function and prevent injuries

At Box Acupuncture, we offer unlimited therapy packages, making it easy for our clients to stay ahead of muscle tension and keep performing at their best.

Why Ignoring Trigger Points Can Lead to Bigger Problems

Leaving trigger points untreated can lead to chronic pain patterns, poor posture, and increased injury risk. Over time, tight muscles pull on joints, restrict movement, and create compensatory stress on other parts of the body. This is why early intervention with acupuncture, cupping, and dry needling is crucial—not just for pain relief, but for long-term mobility, strength, and overall well-being.

Ready to Break Free from Chronic Pain?

If tight muscles, nagging pain, or restricted movement are holding you back, it’s time to address the root cause. At Box Acupuncture, our expert team—including Dr. Aaron, Dr. Tai, Dr. Brophy, Dr. You, and Dr. Sun—specializes in trigger point therapy for athletes, professionals, and active individuals.

Book your session today and experience the difference of true muscle recovery and pain-free movement.

Aaron Lee