Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points are small contraction knots in the muscles of the body. The reason it is so difficult to diagnose and treat them is because they refer to pain in parts of the body different from where they are located. So it’s necessary to know what you are looking for when dealing with trigger points.

Background

Dr. Janet Travell coined the term “trigger point” in 1942. She was an American physician who treated President John F. Kennedy’s back pain. Because of her success in this regard, she was asked to be the first female Personal Physician to the President. Publishing more than 40 papers between 1942 and 1990, she also published The Trigger Point Manuel in 1983.

It has been found that trigger points are the cause of tendinitis, bursitis, angina pectoris, sciatic symptoms, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatment is handled by a variety of practitioners including chiropractors, dentists, massage therapists, myotherapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, physical therapists, certified athletic trainers, occupational therapists, and osteopaths. Basically any practitioner with training and experience in neuromuscular therapy (NMT) can provide treatment.

This type of treatment is not generally taught in medical schools so most doctors are unaware of its effectiveness. Only doctors who specialize in rehabilitation and physical medicine, physiatrists, are familiar with trigger point diagnosis and therapy.

Self Treatment

By learning muscle relaxation techniques and how to assess trigger points, it is possible to learn and apply this method effectively on your own as well, and treat sources of chronic pain. Everything from headaches, joint and muscle pain, arthritis, lower back pain, neck and jaw pain to fibromyalgia can be addressed. For more in depth information check out Trigger Point Performance Therapy.

Trigger point therapy can be a life saver for those experiencing chronic pain, trouble sleeping at bedtime because of the pain, and folks that have tried many traditional and alternative methods without relief. It works by penetrating the chemical and neurological feedback loop that holds the muscle contraction in place, and increases circulation, and stretches the trigger point’s knotted muscle fibers. Whether self applied or administered by a practitioner, this therapy is revolutionizing pain treatment worldwide.

Click here for the Transforming Child Behavior Home Page.

When done reviewing Trigger Point Therapy, click here to return to the Child Health page.