Abstract:[Abstract] Objective: In this study, the soft tissue tension, DHPRα1, ryanodine (RyR), substance P, Acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), Ca2+ and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in myofascial trigger points of rats were measured to explore the effect of pressing and its possible mechanism. Method: Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: blank group, model group, lidocaine group and pressing group. The soft tissue tension was gauged by soft tissue tensiometer; The DHPRα1, RyR and AChE were detected by Western blot; The substance P and CGRP were tested by immunohistochemistry. The content of Ca2+ was measured by colorimetry with test kit. Result: Compared with the blank group, the soft tissue tension and the content of substance P and CGRP in model group were increased while the content of DHPRα1, RyR and AChE decreased. Compared with the model group, the soft tissue tension and the content of Ca2+, substance P and CGRP were decreased in the pressing group and lidocaine group while the content of DHPRα1, RyR and AChE increased. Conclusion: The pressing can effectively reduce the soft tissue tension of myofascial trigger points by promoting the expression of DHPRα1 and RyR , reducing the concentration of Ca2+, reducing the expression of substance P and CGRP, and promoting the expression of AChE. Key words: The pressing; myofascial trigger points; rat; soft tissue tension; DHPRα1; RyR; mechanism