|
Definition
Trigger point therapy is a bodywork technique that involves the applying
of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and
dysfunction in other parts of the body. It may also be called myofascial (myo
meaning muscle, fascial meaning connective therapy) trigger point therapy.
Origins
Trigger point therapy was developed by Dr. Janet Travell in the United
States in the 1940s. Through her work and events in her personal life,
Travell advanced the theory that pain experienced in one part of the body
is actually caused by an injury or dysfunction in another part of the
body.
Ultimately, she mapped what she termed the body's trigger points and the
manner in which pain radiates to the rest of the body. Travell's work came
to national attention when she treated President John F. Kennedy for his
back pain.
According to the therapy, trigger points can result from birth trauma, an
injury sustained in a fall or accident, poor posture, or overexertion.
During times of physical or emotional stress, the points cause muscles to
spasm.
Travell's therapy called for the injection of saline (a salt solution) and
procaine (also known as Novocaine, an anesthetic) into the trigger point.
Although beneficial in the relief of pain, the injections are a painful
procedure for some people.
In the 1970s, Bonnie Prudden, a physical fitness and exercise therapist,
found that applying sustained pressure to a trigger point also relieved
pain. Prudden developed her techniques over a number of years and called
the treatments myotherapy. Myotherapy is beneficial to patients who find
that trigger point injections are too painful.
Benefits
Trigger point therapy is said to interrupt the neural signals that cause
both the trigger point and the pain. The object is to eliminate pain and
to re-educate the muscles into pain-free habits.
In this manner, the swelling and stiffness of neuromuscular pain is
reduced, range of motion is increased, and flexibility and coordination
are improved. The therapy can also relieve tension and improve
circulation.
The list of conditions that benefit from trigger point therapy include:
-
Arthritis.
-
Carpal tunnel syndrome.
-
Chronic pain in the back, knees and shoulders.
-
Headaches.
-
Menstrual cramps.
-
Multiple sclerosis.
-
Muscle spasms, tension, and weakness.
-
Postoperative pain.
-
Sciatica.
-
Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ).
-
Tendinitis.
-
Whiplash.
Description
Typically, a health care professional refers a patient to a trigger point
therapist. The therapist will take a history of injuries suffered,
occupations held, and sports played. He or she will ask the individual to
describe the pain and its location in detail.
The therapist will then probe the area of the coordinating trigger point.
An injection of lidocaine, saline, or other medicines, or probing with a
dry needle, may be done. In myotherapy, once the point is found, the
therapist will apply sustained pressure using the fingers, knuckles, or
elbows for several seconds.
Pain relief can often be seen immediately. Following the injection or
pressure treatment, the therapist will then gently stretch the muscles of
the trigger point. Finally, a series of exercises is taught to the
individual to re-educate the muscles and to prevent the pain from
returning. |
