The patient's guide to trigger points

The patient's guide to trigger points

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  The Physical Therapy Patient’sGuide to Trigger Points Adria Wofford IT 2010 November 2015
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  In This Presentation… 1.Trigger Points Defined 2. Causes of Trigger Points 3. How to Get Relief from Trigger Points 4. Is There Anything You Can Do to Help Yourself?
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  Trigger Points Defined Trigger points are areas where muscle tissue contracts and forms persistent knots.  Trigger points often cause pain, specifically REFERRED PAIN in another area that may not seem directly related to the location of the trigger point.  In this picture, X marks the trigger point. The areas with condensed red are where referred pain is most commonly found found associated with this upper shoulder trigger point. Ground Up Strength
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  Causes of TriggerPoints  Any trauma or injury, even repetitive micro-trauma  Lack of exercise  Sustained poor posture  Nutritional deficiencies  Lack of adequate sleep All of these stress the muscles which react by forming the trigger points that cause pain and tightness! 5 Tips for Creating Good Posture in Teenagers
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  How to GetRelief from Trigger Points Your licensed physical therapist can assess your trigger points and decide whether the best strategy is TRIGGER POINT PRESSURE RELEASE or DRY NEEDLING. Myofascial Pain Syndrome
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  Is There AnythingYou Can Do to Help Yourself?  YES! Ask your physical therapist for homework.  PTs can give self-release techniques like those using a lacrosse or tennis ball.  Your PT can assess your trigger points during therapy and specify which self- release technique is right for you in order to avoid aggravating the tissue.  Have your therapist watch you perform the technique to make sure you are doing it right.  Ask your physical therapist how you can be resilient against future trigger points. Thera Cane Trigger Point Release ToolTrigger Point Massage BallFitness & Exercise Products
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  Things to Rememberabout Trigger Points  Trigger points are stressed areas of contracted muscle that cause referred pain to other areas.  Trigger points are caused by stressors to the body, including injury, lack of exercise, poor posture, poor nutrition, and sleep deficiencies.  If you think you might suffer from trigger points, see a physical therapist who is certified to perform Trigger Point Pressure Release and/or Dry Needling.  You can help yourself! Ask your physical therapist how.
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  References "Fitness & ExerciseProducts." Breathe Fitness. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. "5 Tips for Creating Good Posture in Teenagers: ChiroCentre UK." ChiroCentre UK. N.p., 11 Dec. 2012. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. "Ground Up Strength." Trapezius Muscle: Location, Actions, and Trigger Points -. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. "Myofascial Pain Syndrome | Myofascial Pain Syndrome." Myofascial Pain Syndrome. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists | Myofascial Therapy | What Is It? N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. Newsletter 4. Washington, D.C.: n.p., 1962. Bethesda Physiocare Dry Needling FAQ. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. "Thera Cane Trigger Point Release Tool." Gnrcatalog.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. "Trigger Point Massage Ball." Amazon.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2015.