We’ve all heard someone say, “I’ve got a knot in my shoulder,” or “Can you work this knot out?”
But what if that “knot” isn’t actually a knot that needs to be broken down?
When muscles become overworked, fatigued or remain contracted for long periods, areas of increased tension can develop within the muscle. These areas are commonly referred to as trigger points and can be surprisingly tender.
What makes trigger points particularly interesting is that the discomfort you feel isn’t always coming from the exact place where the problem originates.
The mystery of referred pain
One of the most important concepts when working with trigger points is referred pain.
A trigger point in one area of the body can sometimes create pain or discomfort somewhere else. This can make it difficult to identify where the tension is actually coming from.
For example, discomfort around the front of the shoulder may sometimes be associated with trigger points around the shoulder blade or surrounding musculature. Similarly, tension in the muscles of the upper back, shoulders and neck can contribute to discomfort that is experienced around the head.
This is why simply working directly on the place that hurts isn’t always the whole story.
Learning to understand these patterns allows a practitioner to look beyond the obvious point of discomfort and explore the surrounding muscular structures.
It’s not about “breaking up” a knot
A common belief is that a practitioner needs to dig into a tight spot and physically “break up” the knot.
In reality, the body’s response to pressure is far more complex.
Our nervous system is constantly receiving information from the tissues and muscles around us. When targeted pressure is applied to a sensitive area, sensory information is sent through the nervous system. This can influence how the brain and spinal cord interpret the sensation of pain and may help the muscles reduce their protective tension.
In simple terms, the goal isn’t to force the muscle to let go… it’s to give the nervous system the information it needs to allow it to soften.
This is one of the reasons effective trigger point work isn’t necessarily about using as much pressure as possible. It is about precision, communication and listening to the body’s response.
Trigger Point Therapy in Level 3
This is where Trigger Point Therapy becomes an exciting extension of the Lomi Lomi journey.
In Level 3, students are introduced to the main trigger point areas throughout the body. Rather than simply being shown where to press, students work through these areas sequentially with a partner, receiving constant feedback and developing the sensitivity needed to recognise what a trigger point actually feels like.
That hands-on experience is important.
You begin to develop a deeper understanding of:
- where common trigger points are located
- how referred pain can present
- how different areas of the body relate to one another
- how to apply targeted pressure and specific strokes
- how to listen to your partner’s feedback
- when to work more deeply and when to back away
- how the nervous system responds to pressure and touch
Once students have developed this understanding, these techniques are integrated into the Level 2 Lomi Lomi sequence.
Trigger Point Therapy can be used as a focused standalone approach or incorporated throughout a Lomi Lomi treatment according to the needs of the client and the practitioner’s approach.
Taking your Lomi Lomi practice deeper
Level 3 isn’t simply about learning more techniques.
It’s about developing a more refined understanding of the body and becoming more aware of what you’re feeling beneath your hands.
You begin to move beyond simply following a sequence and towards understanding why, where and when you might choose to work in a particular way.
This deeper awareness can bring a whole new dimension to your Lomi Lomi practice… combining the flowing, connected nature of the work with more focused and targeted techniques.
For our students, Level 3 is another step in the journey. A chance to refine their hands, deepen their knowledge and continue developing the confidence to work with greater awareness and intention.
And, as always, the learning continues one step at a time.
Level 3 is where we begin to look a little deeper 🌺
Ready to take the next step in your Lomi Lomi journey?
We generally offer our Level 3 Lomi Lomi Massage Training once a year, and sometimes twice when demand is high… particularly in the lead up to an overseas Level 4 journey.
If you’re ready to continue your learning, we recommend keeping an eye on our Events page, where all upcoming workshops and training dates are announced.
Our next Level 3 workshop is being planned for early 2027, so make sure to stay connected with us for the announcement.
We look forward to welcoming you in divine timing 🌺
