What type of compression is applied by the therapist's thumbs or fingertips to a trigger point?

The type of compression applied by the therapist's thumbs or fingertips to a trigger point is referred to as ischemic compression. This technique focuses on applying sustained pressure to specific muscle areas known as trigger points, which are often tender and can refer pain to other areas of the body.

Ischemic compression works by temporarily restricting blood flow to the area through applied pressure. This can facilitate the release of muscle tension, improve circulation once the pressure is released, and may help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the trigger points.

In contrast, other forms of compression, like myofascial, deep tissue, or static compression, may involve different techniques or goals. Myofascial techniques primarily target the fascia surrounding muscles and may not focus specifically on trigger points. Deep tissue techniques can involve deeper pressure but are not exclusively applied to trigger points. Static pressure generally refers to holding a position without movement, which does not capture the specific nature of how ischemic pressure is utilized to address trigger points directly.