Trigger Point Therapy in Monterey
Focused pressure on muscle knots in Monterey, CA releases trigger points that cause neck pain, headaches, and shoulder tension — drug-free relief at the source.
New Beginnings Chiropractic
Trigger Point Therapy in Monterey
That stubborn ache in your neck, the tension headache that won't quit, or the shoulder soreness that keeps returning — these can all trace back to tight, hyperirritable spots in the muscle called trigger points. At New Beginnings Chiropractic in Monterey, our doctors use focused pressure to release these knots directly, calming the referred pain patterns they create and giving muscles the chance to work the way they're supposed to.
How it works
What to expect with Trigger Point Therapy
- Step 1
Locate the source
We map your referred pain pattern and palpate the muscles to identify the exact trigger points driving your symptoms — not just the area where it hurts.
- Step 2
Sustained release
Direct, firm pressure is held on each active trigger point until the tissue releases, interrupting the pain-tension cycle and restoring normal muscle tone.
- Step 3
Movement & follow-through
Gentle stretching, active range-of-motion, and home care instructions lock in the release and help prevent the trigger points from reforming.
Why patients choose it
Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy
Relief from tension headaches and migraines driven by neck and shoulder knots
Reduced neck stiffness and upper-back tension
Fewer recurring shoulder aches from postural or overuse trigger points
Improved muscle flexibility and range of motion
Drug-free, non-invasive — no downtime after sessions
Pairs naturally with chiropractic adjustments for longer-lasting results
The basics
About Trigger Point Therapy
A trigger point is a tight band of contracted muscle fibers that won't fully relax on their own. Press on one and you don't just feel local soreness — you often feel pain light up somewhere else entirely. That's the "referred pain" pattern that makes trigger points notorious: a knot in your upper trapezius can fire headache pain up into your skull; a spot in your shoulder can mimic neck stiffness; tight hip muscles can fuel low-back ache. Trigger points form from overuse, poor posture, repetitive strain, stress, and old injuries that never fully healed.
The good news is that trigger points respond directly to skilled, sustained pressure. By holding firm compression on the exact spot until the tissue releases — then following up with gentle movement and stretching — we reset the muscle's resting tone, interrupt the pain cycle, and restore the normal range of motion that lets you move through your day without guarding. Most patients feel a noticeable reduction in both local and referred pain within the first session.
Limited-Time Offer
$47 New Patient Special
$357 Value — Your complete first visit — one simple price.
Your Visit Includes
New patients only. Mention this special when you book. The $47 new patient special does not include shockwave treatment.
What is trigger point therapy?
A trigger point is a small, hyperirritable knot in a muscle band — the kind of tight spot you can press with a finger and feel pain radiate somewhere else entirely. Trigger point therapy uses focused, sustained manual pressure to release these knots, interrupt the pain-tension cycle they create, and restore the muscle to a healthy resting tone.
Think of it as finding the exact reset button for a muscle that’s been locked in overdrive. Once the knot releases, the referred pain that’s been following you around — the headache that starts in your neck, the shoulder ache that won’t quit — typically fades along with it.
What to expect
Your trigger point session at New Beginnings Chiropractic starts with a brief conversation about your symptoms. Our doctors map where your pain travels and palpate the relevant muscles to locate the active trigger points responsible.
When pressure is applied to an active point, you’ll feel a recognizable — sometimes intense — ache that often matches your familiar pain pattern. That’s a sign we’ve found the right spot. Pressure is held for several seconds to a couple of minutes until the tissue noticeably softens and the referred sensation eases. Sessions typically run 20–40 minutes depending on how many areas need attention.
After the session you may have mild muscle soreness for a day or two — similar to how you feel after a new workout. Most patients find this quickly gives way to a feeling of looseness and reduced pain. We’ll send you home with simple stretches to keep the gains and make follow-up sessions more effective.
Who it helps
Trigger point therapy is a strong fit if you’re dealing with:
- Neck pain that won’t fully clear with adjustments alone
- Shoulder pain from desk work, overhead activity, or old strains
- Tension headaches and migraines that seem to start in the neck or base of the skull
- Back pain with a muscle-tension component — especially the mid- and upper back
- Pain that keeps returning to the same spot after brief relief
It pairs especially well with chiropractic adjustments and myofascial release, which together address both the muscle knots and the joint mechanics behind stubborn chronic patterns.
Why choose New Beginnings Chiropractic
Patients from Monterey, Seaside, Pacific Grove, and Carmel choose New Beginnings Chiropractic because we look for the actual source of the pain — not just the spot that hurts. Our doctors integrate trigger point therapy into a broader care plan that addresses the posture, movement habits, and spinal mechanics that keep trigger points coming back.
You get a clear, honest plan with real goals — not endless appointments. Ready to start? Check out our New Patient Special or book your appointment online today.
What it helps
Conditions we treat with Trigger Point Therapy
What is trigger point therapy?+
Trigger point therapy is a hands-on technique where sustained pressure is applied to tight, hyperirritable spots (trigger points) in a muscle. The pressure releases the contraction, eases referred pain, and restores normal muscle function.
What does a trigger point feel like?+
You'll usually feel a firm, tender nodule in the muscle. When we press on it, you may feel a familiar, dull ache that radiates to another area — that referred pain pattern is how we confirm the correct spot.
Does trigger point therapy hurt?+
It can feel like a good hurt — recognizable tenderness that fades as the tissue releases. We always work within your tolerance. After a session, mild soreness lasting 24–48 hours is normal and usually followed by notable relief.
How many sessions will I need?+
Many patients feel meaningful improvement after 2–4 sessions, especially for acute or recent trigger points. Chronic patterns built up over months or years may need a longer course. Our doctors will outline a specific plan after your first visit.
Can trigger points cause headaches?+
Yes — this is one of the most common patterns we see. Trigger points in the upper trapezius, suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull, and the sternocleidomastoid muscles in the neck all refer pain into the head and are a frequent driver of tension headaches and some migraines.
Is trigger point therapy safe?+
Yes. It is a non-invasive, hands-on technique. We take a full health history and screen for any conditions that would require a modified approach before beginning treatment.
How is trigger point therapy different from a regular massage?+
A general massage focuses on broad muscle relaxation through flowing strokes. Trigger point therapy is more targeted — we identify and hold pressure on specific hyperirritable spots that are causing referred pain, then work through releasing each one methodically.
Will my insurance cover trigger point therapy?+
Coverage depends on your plan. We accept many major insurance plans and offer transparent self-pay rates. Send us your insurance information and we'll check your benefits before your first visit — no surprises.
Can trigger point therapy help my shoulder pain?+
Often, yes. Many shoulder complaints — rotator cuff tension, upper-trap tightness, interscapular pain — have active trigger points as a key component. Releasing them, combined with chiropractic care, usually produces faster results than either alone.
What should I do after a trigger point session?+
Drink plenty of water, do the gentle stretches our doctors recommend, and avoid intense exercise the same day. Some short-term soreness is normal; heat or a warm shower can help. Most patients feel noticeably looser within 24–48 hours.
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Patient reviews
What our Monterey patients say
“I’ve been seeing Dr(Richard) Westbrook for about 25 yrs. My go-to for injuries, maintenance, and great conversation . Also to keep my immune system up. A true partner in healing. I mean the guy even “walked me through” menopause pretty much unscathed which is quite a recommendation. And is also now my partner in aging well. I think his work has been one of the reasons I’m upright, and look and feel younger than most 75 yr olds ( who don’t exercise regularly .) If you need someone to truly listen to you and heal and help you feel better he’s by far the best.”
“I have been a patient of Dr. Westbrook’s since 2010. Whenever I need chiropractic care, he is someone I trust completely. Dr. Westbrook is kind, professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely attentive to his patients’ individual needs. He takes the time to listen and has always made me feel comfortable and cared for. He is also incredibly accommodating with scheduling and has gone out of his way several times to fit me in when I needed an appointment on short notice. That level of care means a great deal to me. I especially appreciate his approach because I have had experiences with other chiropractors who were too rough and left me feeling nervous and afraid during adjustments. I have never felt that way with Dr. Westbrook. I trust him 100% and always feel that my comfort and safety are important to him. He offers both manual adjustments and the Activator technique, which I also appreciate. In all the years I have seen him, there was only one occasion when something did not feel quite right after an adjustment. When I contacted him, he got me back into the office right away, addressed the problem, and I left feeling great. That experience actually gave me even more confidence in the level of care he provides. Dr. Westbrook also has a wonderful personality and sense of humor. He makes you feel at ease while still maintaining a high level of professionalism. I always enjoy seeing him, and I consistently leave my appointments feeling better than when I walked in. His wife is also a chiropractor in the practice and has always been extremely kind and professional, although I personally see Dr. Westbrook most often. The entire office is clean, comfortable, and inviting, and the front desk staff are always friendly and welcoming. I enjoy their water massage chairs as well! After knowing the Westbrooks and returning to their practice for more than 15 years, I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for compassionate, professional chiropractic care. Finding a chiropractor you genuinely trust is so important, and I am very grateful to have found that with the Westbrooks.”
“Dr. Richard Westbrook has been my chiropractor for years and years and years. He is great at both providing temporary relief when you are in pain and also helping you prevent future problems. His latest addition to his office is a Shockwave machine, which is an amazing device for treating chronic pain. Be sure to ask him about it!”