Trigger Point therapy

The concept of mysofascial and trigger point therapy is quite popular with various therapists and some athletes seem to believ that it is only chiropractors who offer these soft tissue methods.

Most physical therapists are also able to apply trigger point therapy and myofascial release methods as well, since these methods are taught to them at medical or physiotherapy school. In fact, these methods were pioneered by a remarkable medical practitioner, Dr Janet Travell, who died at the age of 95 only a few years ago. Much of her innovative work appear in her own books or in others written in collaboration with Dr David Simons, another MD. Here is a web tribute to Dr Travell:

http://www.aapainmanage.org/aapm/travell.html

BOOKS ON TRIGGER POINT & MYOFASCIAL THERAPY

Here are the books that have established trigger point and myofascial therapy as effective and valuable approaches to pain management and certain other problems:

David G Simons, Janet G Travell & Lois S Simons. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual Vol 1, 2nd Edition

JG Travell MD & DG Simons MD Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual Volume II - The Lower Body, Williams & Wilkins, 1983, Vol. II,
1998.

Janet Travell & Seymour Rinzler "The Myofascial Genesis of Pain"
DG Simons "Myofascial Trigger Points: A Need for Understanding"
J Travell "Myofascial Trigger Points: Clinical View"
J Travell "Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction"
D Simons "Myofascial Pain Syndrome Due to Trigger Points"

There is a huge amount of information on the use of myofascial therapy methods in the treatment of fibromyalgia, for which I can post further information, if anyone is interested.

SELF TREATMENT

In fact, with a little practice at palpating and pressing very firmly in a progressively fashion with small increments along the length of the relevant muscle, you will soon become able to identify "trigger points" (which have been known in the East for millenia, by the way) and treat them quite competently. Like any form of deep massage, one never exerts intense pressure over any areas that are inflamed, swollen, bleeding, bruised or have
recently been fractured or exposed to surgery, or may exhibit tumours, varicosities or other significant medical conditions.

In a short time, you or your partner should be able to develop the necessary skills to be able to deal with most of your normal training aches and pains - and you will save a fortune in the process. Of course, like any other physical problems, there are times when medical or other therapeutic attention may be necessary, but this is one case where you can do a great
deal on your own. When in doubt, of course, obtain a genuine medical opinion from some professional such as an orthopaedist.

In fact, this is exactly what Bonnie Prudden did when she slightly modified Dr Travell's work and created what she called "Myotherapy".

Others might like to share their information on and experience with these forms of soft tissue therapy.

Dr Mel C Siff
Denver, USA