Described as palpable bands of hyper-taut fibers of contractile tissue, trigger points are more affectionately called "knots". The "Velvet Hammer" is how some describe Trigger Point Therapy. Once an area is sufficiently warmed and prepared, the practitioner finds a "hot" spot and gives it as much pressure as can be tolerated by the client without guarding. For some people, this is not much pressure. For others, it is a lot more. Thus, the velvet, and the hammer.
The ideal amount of pressure is held statically (not moving) for a few deep breaths. This process is repeated as necessary, like stripping away at layers of an onion. After trigger point work, it is customary for the practitioner to "make nice". Technically speaking, this "making nice" is communication with the client's nervous system to help solidify the longer-term relaxation effect of an intervention which interrupts a tension pattern.
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