Myofascial/Trigger Point Therapy

Myofascial means muscle tissue (myo) and the connective tissue in and around it (fascia).

Myofascial release is accomplished by relaxing contracted muscles, increasing circulation and lymphatic drainage, and stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and overlying fascia. It is used when stressed or injured muscles form trigger points. Trigger points can also develop over time through muscle strain from repetitive movements, postural strain from standing or sitting improperly for long periods, emotional stress, anxiety, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, and toxins in the environment. When our muscles harbor trigger points, we experience aches, physical limitations and loss of normal function. Trigger points cause a shortening of the muscle fibers, and have a special property called referral pain, which creates distress in another muscle of the body. An example is when the muscle at the top of your shoulder has a trigger point; it will refer pain up the side of your neck and head causing a headache.

Trigger Points can be the root cause of any of the following symptoms:

  • Back pain
  • Headaches
  • Neck pain
  • Rotator cuff (shoulder) pain
  • Jaw pain (TMJD)
  • Tennis elbow
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Hand and arm pain
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Pelvic pain
  • Hip pain
  • “Sciatic” pain (buttock pain)
  • Leg and knee pain
  • Plantar fasciitis (foot) pain
  • Tendinitis/tendinopathy
  • Bursitis, arthritis
  • Disc pain (bulge/rupture/herniation) and radiculopathy
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Fibromyalgia

History

Janet G. Travell, MD, was a pioneer in the development of myofascial pain treatment. She was President John F. Kennedy’s personal White House physician. She relieved his severe and chronic back pain. Dr. Travell’s research demonstrated that each trigger point in a muscle has a specific pattern of referred pain. The work of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists is based on the treatment protocols of Dr. Travell.

Benefits of Myofascial/Trigger Point Therapy

  • Decreases pain
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Improves nerve function
  • Increases blood circulation

Many patients experience pain relief during the first treatment. For others several treatments are needed before their pain starts to diminish. It is common for patients to experience some soreness for one to two days after treatment. Your rate of improvement depends on numerous conditions:

  • Type and length of time injured
  • Overall physical health
  • Level of fitness
  • Underlying skeletal abnormalities
  • Nutrition
  • Quality of sleep
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Patient compliance with self-care
  • Other medical conditions

Length of Myofascial/Trigger-Point Therapy Session: 30, 60, or 90 mins. **Myofascial/Trigger Point Therapy is a complement to standard medical care. It should not be construed as medical advice. It should not be a replacement to medical help.**