Trigger points (more than 600!) are localized areas where a muscle or tissues surrounding it is hypersensitive to touch. It is not uncommon that pressure will trigger referred pain at a location distant from the trigger point itself through nerve pathways. Deactivating those trigger point produces muscle elongation, increase range of motion and pain relief. Beware of bruising. Deep tissue techniques require exceptional palpation skills. Too much is like not enough. Under NO circumstances EVER should you end up bruised after a manual therapy session EVER!