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.
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The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, Second Edition Author: Clair DaviesDescriptionThe 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... |
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Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain: The Practice of Informed Touch Author: Donna Finando L.Ac. L.M.T.DescriptionA 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... |
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Trigger Points (Quick Study Academic) Author: Inc. BarChartsDescriptionLoaded with beautifully illustrated diagrams clearly and concisely labeled for easy identification. Illustrations by award-winning medical illustrator Vince Perez. 3-panel laminated guide includes: • superficial muscles • right lateral leg • superficial muscles (back view) • rectus abdominis reference zones • lateral view • deep muscles (back view) • leg muscles (lateral view) |
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The Concise Book of Trigger Points, Second Edition Author: Simeon Niel-AsherDescriptionMost 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... |
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About Gary Clark
Gary Clark is a massage therapist and EFT practitioner in Perth, Western Australia. Gary founded Pain Busters Clinic in 2002, where he helps people with a variety of pain problems, including fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome.
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