Best way to get knots out of back (multiple massages have failed)?
Even more important than getting the knots out is not getting the knots in the first place. Move more all day long. Loosen up and stretch at the first sign of a “knot” forming. Take your breaks and move/stretch more than just sit and eat/do nothing. Etc., etc., etc.
When you get the knots, loosen them gently. Being aggressive can work, but it takes time and practice to learn how to aggressively remedy tight muscles and connective tissue adhesions. I would recommend seeing a Physical Therapist, Personal Trainer, your Dr., and get some clearance and advice locally.
Shawn, seems that you are at wits end with your condition. Have you had it properly diagnosed? How do you know for sure it is truly trigger points.
No offense intended, however, after looking at your profile and reading many of your responses, I’ve learned that you are knowledgeable. Might it be time to go see a doctor?
It is difficult to speculate what may cause the condition without an assessment and inquiries about your medical and exercise history.
All the answers above may be possible ways to address your problem. My personal suggestion would be MELT (Myofascial Energetic Length Technique) which works on the fascia. I have seen encouraging results with upper back pain. I must confess, though, I am biased, since I am a MELT instructor.
What I recently did when I had pain that just wasn’t budging was a self-assessment. I did with myself what I would do with my clients: take pictures of static and dynamic posture and a video of the gait. As soon as I looked at all of it, I immediately got closer to the possible source. A very few exercises sufficed to determine the possible source of the imbalance, and I am now working on it.
Maybe that would be a way for you to make your own determination.
I am amazed at the answers given! My suggestion, structure determins function and who better than a Chiropractor? besides he can be a beneficial provider. Second, it is your nervous system that is upregulated (sympathetic) untill you can down regulate it, the cycle will continue! Google, Musgrave wellness and performance and learn about (Reflexercise) it treats the problem not the symptom. Good luck!