HOW CAN I RELIEVE REFERRED PAIN FROM A TRIGGER POINT?
The first thing to
remember with referred pain is that the point responsible for the pain is not always in the area that pain is felt.
Therefore, you must find the areas that are sensitive to pressure and reproduce the pain felt in the distant area.
First, use your thumb, elbow, or a tool to apply pressure to the Trigger Point in a slow, steady manner to create only enough
reaction to identify it. Continue to apply steady light pressure (do not rub around it ) until the area begins to project less pain
and until it feels as though it is dissolving. It is imperative that you do not create so much pain from the pressure that you
have to tense against it; you cannot flex and relax a muscle at the same time. The more you can relax a muscle while you are
applying pressure, the more able it will be to release the Trigger Point and stop referring pain.
HOW LONG WILL THE RELIEF LAST?
A Trigger Point is created when a muscle is either overused,
or left in too shortened or lengthened a position for too long. The circulation is compromised and it develops a tending nodule
as a result. Therefore, to both prevent formation of TrPs and to lengthen the period of relief following direct compression and
release of the Trigger Point, you must follow an exercise and stretching regimen each day to ensure proper muscle tone.
Proper posture and use of your body mechanics also serves to promote lasting comfort.
WHAT DOES MYOFASCIAL MEAN?
Our clinic's specialty is myofascial pain and dysfunction. Myo
means muscle - Fascia is the membranous connective tissue that binds tissue together and separates and identifies various
muscle groups.
Through overuse, chronic shortening of muscles by remaining in an unusual position (sitting, hunching shoulders, repeated
reaching, or craning neck to look at a VDT, etc.), or sudden trauma such as a blow or jerk, irritable spots called Trigger Points
are developed. These Trigger Points (TrPs), when latent, are responsible for stiffness and inflexibility. When flare-ups occur
from psychological stress or repetitive overuse or misuse, these TrPs become active, meaning that they cause pain to travel or
"refer" to a predictable zone. For instance, a TrP flaring in your pectoral or chest muscle may cause pain in your chest,
shoulder and the inside of your elbow. Compression to a TrP may recreate the referred pain pattern, the source of which had
been previously frustrating and mysterious. Trigger Point Myotherapy has proven very successful in the alleviation or chronic
muscular pain when other modalities used were not.
WHAT IS TRIGGER POINT MYOTHERAPY?
Therapists Mary St. John Larson and Kate
Worthington apply deep compression, massage, passive stretches and movement, postural and ergonomic retraining, and
kinesthetic awareness to reduce chronic pain and to facilitate a return to normal activity. Nutrition, medication and other
therapies are considered to work in an integrated fashion.
Emphasis is on patient involvement, education and self-care. Stretching and exercise programs are tailored for individual
capacity and use, as well as training in self-application of manual pain-relief techniques. Use of compression tools, aqua
exercise, and creative interaction with environment (e.g., chair/car/pool exercise) may be used. Attention to individual
lifestyles and professions receive careful consideration. Goals are set at your initial evaluation and are periodically reassessed.
Patient participation, insight and creativity are highly encouraged.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM TREATMENT?
Your rate of improvement depends on many
conditions:
WELCOME TO MPTA!
specializing in muscular pain and limitation