Trigger Points

Trigger points are the most common cause of chronic muscle pain.

Active Myofascial Trigger Point : Is a small area of hyperirritable muscle and/or fascia that forms a lump or ropy band  within the muscle tissue, and which causes pain. The pain may be caused while at rest or in use. The pattern of referred pain is consistent for that muscle. A muscle harboring active trigger points is tender, weakened and prevented from full lengthening, normally causes referred pain when compressed, can cause a local twitch response in the tight fibers when snapped transversely. When sufficiently stimulated will cause the referred pain pattern to be present.  It may also cause autonomic phenomena, e.g. pain in internal organs, weakening of internal muscles including sphincters, goose bumps.

Latent Myofascial Trigger Point: is similar to an active trigger point except .that it does not cause pain until stimulated by palpation or excessive work.

Satellite Myofascial Trigger Point: is a trigger point (TP) that only became active because it is surrounded by pain from another source, such as an active trigger point.

Secondary Myofascial Trigger Point: is a trigger point in muscle or fascia that became active because it was overloaded as a synergist to a muscle with active TPs or as an antagonist to a muscle that is shortening because of active TPs.

The authorities on myofascial trigger points are Drs Travell and Simons, and their Trigger Point Manual is an essential reference for all health professionals dealing with chronic pain.

Gary Clark

The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, Second Edition Author: Clair Davies Description The first edition of this workbook is regarded as a classic in its field, and was the first book to introduce trigger point therapy to the general public as a self-care tool for alleviating chronic pain caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headache, muscle ache, and repetitive strain injuries...

Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain: The Practice of Informed Touch Author: Donna Finando L.Ac. L.M.T. Description A clinical reference manual for the evaluation and treatment of muscle pain• Contains detailed illustrations of pain patterns and trigger-point locations• 15,000 copies sold in first hardcover editionMyofascial pain syndromes are among the fastest growing problems that physicians, osteopaths, acupuncturists, and physical, occupational, and massage therapists encounter in their patients...

The Concise Book of Trigger Points, Second Edition Author: Simeon Niel-Asher Description Most muscular aches and pains are caused or affected by untreated “trigger points,” localized tender spots in muscles. Understanding and treating these points can lead to rapid and lasting pain relief...

Trigger Point Self-Care Manual: For Pain-Free Movement Author: Donna Finando L.Ac. L.M.T. Description A guide to the treatment of pain from common sports injuries and other physical activities• Contains at-home techniques to promote healing and self-awareness of the body’s musculature• Explains how to relieve pain using manual massage in conjunction with small physio balls• Includes an illustrated treatment reference section organized by region of the bodyThe vast majority of physical injuries incurred by active people begin with muscular injuries that are not addressed by the conventional medical approach to orthopedic care...

Trigger Point Chart Set: Torso and Extremities Author: Anatomical Chart Company Description This beautiful trigger point educational tool includes two charts: Trigger Points: Torso and Trigger Points: Extremities. Each chart illustrates and labels the muscles affected by trigger points, and shows trigger point locations with primary and secondary pain sensitive zones...

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