Trigger Point Therapy
for Myofacial Pain
What is Myofascial Pain?
MYO is muscle: FASCIA is the connective tissue that holds us together. Myofascial pain comes from trigger points in muscles and the fascia that is interwoven throughout and covering them.
What are Trigger points?
Trigger points are hypersensitive, tightened spots which can occur in any muscle. These spots or nodules are found within a taut band in the muscle. Trigger points cause pain, tingling, burning, weakness and other symptoms. They have a special property called referred pain. This means that they cause pain right where they are AND pain in other areas. To see referred pain patterns and whether they match your pain
click here. How Do I get Trigger Points?
They are established by the trauma that occurs during injury from accidents, sports, occupations and disease. They can also be caused by long term or repetitive strain on muscles from poor ergonomics, posture and repetitive movements. Physical or emotional stress frequently aggravates trigger points. Myofascial pain accounts for as much as 85% of the pain people suffer from. Acute and chronic myofascial pain due to trigger points is a very common condition.
How do I know if my pain will respond to Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy?
Since as much as 85% of the pain people suffer from has a myofascial component, it is likely that you will have a decrease in pain and an increase in range of motion once treatment has started. You may also have other underlying conditions that need to be addressed. Since treatment of your muscles is very specific, your response can also help the therapist and your doctor to determine what other conditions are present that are causing you pain.
Benefits of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
Eliminate or decrease pain.
Increase range of motion, flexibility and strength. Improve sleep, a common problem associated with myofascial pain.
Increase endurance at work and play.
Decrease or eliminate medication, under doctors supervision.
General improvement in quality of life and fitness level, increased energy and reduced stress.
Increase body awareness.
What are Contributing Causes of Trigger Points?
Poor posture, overuse of muscles and prolonged immobility are perpetuating factors of myofascial pain and need to be evaluated and corrected. We assess the ergonomics of your work and home activities and make suggestions for changes. Impaired sleep, postural imbalances, nutritional issues, allergies, and other issues relevant to muscular health are addressed. These and other causes are discussed during treatment in order to obtain lasting relief from pain.
Here some tips for self help - best used on regular bases:-)
Stretch exercise:
Sit in a chair. Bend forward, dropping the head. Cross each arm over the body to grasp the opposite knee. Hold this position for a count of five to ten.
Strengthening exercise:
Lie diagonal across the bed or massage table, your arms hanging over the edge. Bend the elbow to 90 degrees. Retract the scapula. Hold this position for the count of ten. Release and repeat.
