We call things that maintain, or continue, our pain myofascial perpetuating factors. Often, these are similar to things that helped cause the problem.
Dr. Janet Travell was pioneer in the field of myofascial and trigger point therapy. In fact, she wrote extensively about pain, myofascial perpetuating factors and more. Routinely, she offered strategies for avoiding potential problems with body mechanics and other things.
However, Dr. Travell was known for saying that the biggest perpetuating factor is life!
In you are in pain, myofascial perpetuating factors are huge. Our prescription is simple. If you can avoid it, you should. But, if you can’t, then you should try to modify it to be less damaging for you. Finally, if you can’t do that, then work on a self-care plan. Ideally, it will unwind as much of the insult to your body as possible.
For anyone in chronic pain, myofascial perpetuating factors might be part of it.
A good myofascial therapist can show you how to reduce them!
Chronic Pain? Myofascial Perpetuating Factors Matter!
Structural Variations
For instance, a difference in either the actual or apparent length our legs is not uncommon. In fact, a difference of 1/4″ can cause myofascial pain.
On the other hand, our legs might be the same length and the two sides of our pelvis might be different sizes. Imbalances caused by myofascial trigger points can pull one side of your hip up while the other falls.
In addition, we can find ourselves out of balance from front to back. For example, this can happen as the result of Morton’s Foot Structure. The slight downward angle created in the foot is like adding a heel to your shoe. Surprisingly, it can pitch your entire body forward. In fact, Morton’s Foot Structure can contribute an inch or more to head forward posture.
Some of us have relatively short upper arms. This means that computers, desks and other furniture is not built for us. Because of this, we might benefit from some changes to our workspace and other environments.
Either way, we are built the way we are and it is ok.1
All of these variations can be accomodated or corrected. Myofascial therapists know how!
How Do You Sit?
Sitting Posture
Obviously, how we sit matters. Of course, there are different kinds of sitting. The way we sit at a desk might be different than how we sit in auto seat or a recliner. However, it should be that different. For instance. in any sitting posture, we want to keep our back fairly straight. Typically, this means no slump in the lumbar spine or upper spine and shoulders. In addition, we want to keep our head and neck reasonably well aligned with our spine. Basically, our hands and arms should be within easy reach of our work - whether it is a keyboard, steering wheel or a desk. Do not lead with your face! Next our legs should be reasonably open at the hip. Unfortunately, the tight flexion of a straight back chair. traditional desk chair or bucket seats shortens our hip flexors and hamstrings. In addition, it overloads our quads and glutes. Finally, it promotes head forward posture overloads the neck and upper spine. Finally, our feet should touch the floor - heels and toe. Often, if you are using a high desk chair, there may be a rail that you can rest your feet on. However, avoid using it. Instead, adjust your chair to a height that allows your feet to touch the floor.
Myofascial and Trigger Point therapists, often recommend simple, gentle exercises to strengthen the deep cervical flexors!
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Janet was great. FANTASTIC person who knew how to treat and deal with my conditions. Very informative. Finally, someone who knew what I was talking about.
Really Good
It was interesting, and helpful for my IT band and hip
My experience was wonderful. Janet was very kind and attentive. I felt great after my session and would recommend to try it out.
The lady that assisted me was awesome! I suffer from fibromyalgia and when I left I felt like a brand new person! I plan to return when I get time!
Janet was great - knowledgeable and she found all my "hot spots."
Seriously, if you are looking for massage therapy that actually does your body good--that changes its function for the better and actually makes pain go away--then this is the place you need to come. Not Massage Envy. Not a chiropractor. You need trigger point from knowledgeable experts in the craft.
If your have pain in any part of your body this is the place to go. It focus on the muscles where the pain is. you will feel like a new person. Awesome will be returning. Thanks nice friendly and attentive
amazing!!!
I felt so much better after my appointment. Thank you and thanks for the self care tips!
Experienced therapist. Feel great after appointment...
Highly recommended!
What a great experience. The provider was able to recommend things I can do to improve my pain. Address issues I didn't even share with her that she was able to tell just by her exam and treating me for what i went for. Will be back. Feeling grateful
I spent so much money on chiropractors. This is much better. Everybody should try it out.
Beautiful, relaxing setting. Therapist was knowledgable and professional. I'll be going back. Thank you.
Janet is very informative. I loved that she explained which muscles/groups she was working on. I learned a lot about my posture and why some of my muscles are not activating. She also provided me with a list of considerations and excercises to improve my posture. I will be back!
Janet has a unique gift and talent in trigger point therapy. I’m definitely seeing her again!
I loved my experience. Janet is extremely knowledgeable in a vary wide variety of conditions. She is thorough and attentive. Makes you feel right at home!
It's like an hour of physical therapy (the good parts of P.T. where they massage you and stretch you). She also takes time to explain some ways to help your specific issues. Highly recommend!
Janet is very knowledgeable and informative. She thoroughly explains where you have weakness and what muscles are over compensating. She gives exercises, stretches, or everyday changes you can make to help you are progress on your own. I highly recommend a visit!
Janet was very knowledgeable and never in a hurry. She took her time explaining every little detail, great service
Felt much better after the trigger point massage, highly recommend.
Excellent
What About My Pain?
Clearly, everyone is different. Many of us have additional challenges and complications. Naturally, we tailor our treatment plans to the individual. However, there are common foundations in this work with everyone.
Fortunately, if you are having similar issues, you may find that a just few treatment sessions helps! We will identify and treat root causes of your individual case.
Clearly, everyone is different. Many of us have additional challenges and complications. Naturally, we tailor our treatment plans to the individual. However, there are common foundations in this work with everyone.
We are licensed professionals. In addition, we all have additional training and certifications in advanced techniques. For instance, this includes trigger point therapy, fascial stretching, neuromuscular and movement therapy. Also we offer kinesio taping, myofascial release, cupping, acoustic compression, self-care classes and more. In fact, we often combine several of these techniques into a single session..
Of course, no one wants chronic pain! Fortunately, can work together with you to help sort out the issues.
Click here or all us at 630-858-0000 today to make an appointment!
More info at: WestSubPainRelief.com
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