What Is Trigger Point Therapy?
The discipline of Trigger Point Therapy for pain relief and improved range of motion was codified by Dr. Janet Travell. She literally coined the word “myofascial trigger point” in 1947. She worked to rehabilitate John F. Kennedy on his way to the White House. Later, she became the personal physician of Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. So, in a way, this is old news. However, her work was widely ignored by the medical established for decades. Meanwhile, many other dedicated physicians, researchers and body workers have contributed to the understanding of the field, which continues to evolve.
The basic notion is that quite a lot of chronic musculoskeletal pain is caused by myofascial trigger points. These represent a local inflammation in the muscle, restrict its range of motion and inhibit its strength.
What Is A Trigger Point?
A trigger point is an area of the body, hyper-sensitive to touch, that can cause pain elsewhere in the body and restricts range of motion prohibiting normal function. We call this “referred pain”. A qualified Trigger Point Therapist is well-trained to understand how pain refers from one area to another. In fact, this training is almost unique to Trigger Point Therapy. Decades of scientific research has determined where specific trigger points refer pain. Combining this knowledge with a physical exam allows a Trigger Point Therapist to confirm the referral pattern.
Therefore, Trigger Point Therapy is one of the primary methods for treating Myofascial Dysfunction. “Myosfacia” refers to muscles, fascia, ligaments, tendons and other connective tissues. It does not require drugs, surgery or other invasive techniques.
Trigger Point Pressure Release
One of the many proven techniques for treating Trigger Points is the use of manual compression. This might appear to be similar to deep tissue massage. However, a Trigger Point therapist is trained to assess the overall muscular health of th
eir patient and identify myofascial pain and dysfunction. Then we can precisely locate and treat the associated Trigger Points with focused manual pressure. This is not a spa massage!
Some therapists use an outmoded technique known as “ischemic compression”. It uses deep, sustained pressure that cause significant pain and bruising. Instead, we utilize a technique known as Trigger Point Pressure Release. This is less vigorous, is more effective and is not likely to produce significant additional irritation or soreness. We tailor our approach to the needs of the individual’s muscles. This is more patient friendly and your are more likely to use it at home for self-care. Patients learn what optimal pressure feels like for subsequent self-treatment.
The therapist lengthens the muscle to the point of resistance within the comfort zone. Then, she applies gentle, gradually increasing pressure on the trigger point until encountering a definite increase in resistance. At that point there may be a degree of discomfort but no significant pain. We maintain pressure until tension reduces. Then we repeat the process until the trigger point is released and the muscle regains its normal length.
Other Approaches to Releasing Trigger Points
Trigger Point Therapy can involve the use of various other techniques including active contract/relax and post-isometric relaxation, use of cold and heat and specialized stretches. More recently, we have pioneered the use in the US of advanced medical devices such as the WellWave, which delivers pulses of sound waves to provide “Acoustic Compression” as an alternative to manual compression techniques. It is an extremely effective, leading edge technology for the reduction of pain from Trigger Points.
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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!
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