A massage tool and method for the treatment of trigger points and other soft tissue disorders on the human body is claimed. The tool comprises a plunger slidingly and sealingly disposed within a hollow sleeve. When the sleeve is held against a trigger point or otherwise affected area on the human body and the plunger is withdrawn, a negative or vacuum pressure of variable intensity and duration is created within the sleeve. When the plunger is depressed, the user can apply direct variable momentary pressure on the trigger point or otherwise affected area. Repeated cycles of direct momentary pressure and vacuum pressure help to resolve the soft tissue disorder and alleviate associated pain, which facilitates healing.