Unraveling the Knots: How Massage Therapy Helps Release Trigger Points

Brenda Austin
Sep 16
2 min read

Have you ever felt a stubborn “knot” in your neck, shoulders, or back that just won’t go away?

Chances are, you were experiencing a trigger point a small but powerful area in the muscle that can create tension, pain, and even discomfort in other parts of the body.

At Now and Zen Bodyworks, we often see clients who come in with chronic tightness or pain that hasn’t responded to stretching, heat packs, or rest. More often than not, trigger points are at the root of the issue and massage therapy is one of the most effective ways to release them.

What Exactly Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are tight, hyperirritable spots in the muscle fibers that can feel like tiny knots or bands. They may develop from:

Repetitive movements or overuse
Poor posture (hello, long hours at the computer!)
Emotional stress and tension
Injury or trauma
Lack of movement or hydration

What makes them tricky is that they often cause referred pain meaning the discomfort shows up somewhere else in the body. For example, a trigger point in the shoulder can lead to tension headaches, or tightness in the glutes might contribute to low back pain.

How Massage Therapy Can Help

Massage therapy works directly with the muscles and fascia to bring circulation, soften tension, and restore balance. At Now and Zen Bodyworks, we use a blend of:

Trigger Point Therapy – applying gentle but focused pressure to release knots
Deep Tissue Massage – addressing deeper layers of tension
Myofascial Release – lengthening and loosening connective tissue
Energy Work – calming the nervous system so your body can fully let go

This holistic approach not only relieves pain but also restores freedom of movement, improves posture, and leaves you feeling grounded and renewed.

Benefits of Trigger Point Release

Many of our clients notice:

Relief from chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain

Fewer headaches and migraines

Greater flexibility and mobility

A sense of deep relaxation and stress relief

Better sleep and overall energy

How You Can Support Your Body Between Sessions

To keep your muscles happy and prevent new trigger points from forming, try:

Drinking plenty of water daily
Taking short movement breaks if you sit for long periods
Stretching gently and regularly
Practicing breathwork, meditation, or mindful movement
Scheduling consistent massage sessions to stay ahead of tension

Ready to Release What’s Holding You Back?

If you’ve been dealing with stubborn knots or unexplained pain, massage therapy could be the key to lasting relief. At Now and Zen Bodyworks, we specialize in helping clients not only release physical tension but also restore balance on an emotional and energetic level.