A trigger point is a small area of local nerve contraction in the muscle tissue, a.k.a. tender points. Placing pressure on a trigger point results in compression of a muscle bundle and creates referred pain patterns in other areas that the muscle is connected to.
A trigger point is typically the same as a "knot" in the muscle. By compressing and holding pressure on the trigger point, a release of the knot will eventually occur, making the area much easier to relieve.
Trigger point therapy is usually used in conjuction with several other types of massages including deep tissue, myofascial release, and so on. This treatment is highly effective but can be uncomfortable. It requires deep breathing to release the contracted muscle.
