Trigger point massage.pdf

TRIGGER POINTS

THE PRESSURE POINTER CAN

BE USED TO HELP YOU WITH

THESE COMMON AILMENTS:

Muscles account for more than 60% of the human body mass,

making up the largest part of our bodies. They are responsible for all

movement of the human body. W ith such an enormous

responsibility, it is easy to see how muscles can be subjected to

wear and tear, fatigue, overuse, and repetitive injury.

• MIGRAINES

• TENSION HEADACHE

• NECK AND JAW PAIN

When we want to move or use our muscles, the muscle contracts,

and this is typically a voluntary action. However, sometimes the

entire muscle contracts involuntarily, which we call a spasm.

Muscles are also subject to another condition, known as a Trigger

Point, which is essentially an involuntary contraction of only a small

portion of the muscle, creating pain and dysfunction within the

muscle. One of the reasons that prescription muscle relaxants are ineffective on Trigger

Points is that the medication would have to be strong enough to stop all involuntary muscle

contractions...one incredibly important involuntary muscle—your heart—might not agree with

this!

• UPPER BACK PAIN

• BURNING BETWEEN

SHOULDERS

• THORACIC OUTLET

SYNDROME

• FROZEN SHOULDER

Trigger Points have been studied and shown to be the most common cause of

musculoskeletal pain. Pain clinic doctors have found that Trigger Points are the main source

of pain nearly 75% of the time! Trigger Points cause the muscle to remain tight, which

weakens the muscle and puts stress on the points where the muscles attach to the bones as

well. This often leads to pain in nearby joints.

• TENNIS ELBOW

• CARPAL TUNNEL

SYNDROME

A unique feature that distinguishes Trigger Points from other muscle pain is that Trigger

Points almost always refer pain to other areas of the body. This is why many treatments are

ineffective. Most treatments assume that the area of pain should also be the source of pain,

yet the actual cause could be in a completely different location. Trigger Points and their

referred pain can be associated with many conditions, and may even cause some of them!

• ARM AND HAND PAIN,

NUMBNESS, AND TINGLING

• ARTHRITIS

• BURSITIS

You can learn how to control your musculoskeletal pain by treating Trigger Points at home,

saving yourself from costly professional office visits!

• TENDONITIS

• SINUS PAIN AND

CONGESTION

TRIGGER POINT THERAPY

• FIBROMYALGIA

Trigger Point therapy can reduce pain, increase movement, and allows the muscles to

lengthen and become stronger again. To treat Trigger Points, heavy pressure must be

applied to the Trigger Point. Light pressure is not effective for treating Trigger Points,

and in fact may increase spasms as the muscle tries to protect itself, leading to

increased and more constant pain. In contrast, moderate to heavy pressure applied to

a Trigger Point causes the pain to initially increase, but then as the muscle relaxes the

pain will fade.

• MUSCLE AND JOINT

STIFFNESS

Pressure Products

513 N Link Lane

Ft Collins, CO 80524

Jimmy Miller

970-691-0662

jimmy@pressurepointer.com

Pressure should be applied slowly and released slowly for best results. The pressure

should be maintained until there is a change in pain. If there is no decrease in pain

after one minute, stop the pressure—this is probably not a Trigger Point! After applying

pressure to Trigger Points, the relaxed muscle should be stretched. If the muscles are

not returned to normal length, there is a greater likelihood the Trigger Points will

reoccur. Stretching is safer and less painful after the Trigger Points have been treated.

The Pressure Pointer is the best device available for self-applied Trigger Point therapy!

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Pressure Pointer

HOW DO TRIGGER POINTS CAUSE PAIN

AND OTHER SYMPTOMS?

MUSCLES BEST

TREATED WITH

PRESSURE POINTER

In 1999, David Simons, M.D.,

discovered that a Trigger Point is a

dysfunction that occurs at the point

where a nerve enters a muscle.

Trigger Points result in muscles

which have been traumatized by

accidents, sports, occupational

stress, and overuse. Once a

Trigger Point develops, it can

remain for life unless properly

treated.

for mistaken impressions as to the

true source of the pain to occur.

Additionally, Trigger Points create

shortened muscles which often

compress nearby nerves. This

compression irritates the nerve and

distorts the nerve signal

transmissions. This can lead to

irregular sensations such as

numbness, tingling, and burning.

The Brachial Plexus is a network of

nerves originating in the neck, and

supplying the neck, upper back,

shoulders, arms, forearms, and

hands. This explains why many

Trigger Points found in the neck

and upper back can lead to pain

and dysfunction throughout the

upper body.

Muscle

Trapezius

Levator Scapula

Posterior Neck Muscles

The Trigger Point restricts motion of

the muscles and decreases

circulation, depriving the muscle of

nutrients and oxygen and resulting

in a collection of metabolic waste

that cannot be properly filtered

away. These wastes excite pain

nerve endings and can also

damage them. The decrease of

nutrients to the muscle increases

spasm and inflammation. Pain is

now being caused by mechanical

(pressure) and chemical (waste

product) stimulation. This nasty

cycle continues until treatment

occurs.

Scalenes

Sternocleidomastoid

(SCM)

Rhomboids

Serratus Posterior

Shortened muscles can also

compress nearby arteries and

veins. Decreased blood flow in an

artery can lead to decreased

temperature (i.e. cold hands and

fingers), while decreasing blood

flow in the veins can lead to

swelling in the hands and fingers.

Serratus Anterior

“There is no substitute for learning to

control your own musculoskeletal

pain. Treating myofascial trigger

points yourself addresses the source

of that kind of common pain and is not

just a way of temporarily relieving it.”

Referred pain occurs somewhat

mysteriously. Pain signals in the

body that come from several

sources are known to merge into a

single nerve at the spine before

continuing on to the brain. As these

signals merge, it becomes possible

Finally, Trigger Points make

movement of the muscles

themselves difficult. Stretching or

contracting muscles affected by

Trigger Points can cause intense

pain, and the body responds by

- David G. Simons, M.D.

HOW DOES APPLYING PRESSURE MAKE TRIGGER POINTS GO

AWAY?

When pressure is applied to the Trigger Point, the chemical/pressure cycle is interrupted, which helps to stop the

contraction and the pain in the muscle. Additionally, the muscle is heated and kneaded during treatment, which helps

to increase circulation and to remove the metabolic waste products. Another effect is that muscle fibers become

lengthened and stretched which decreases the pressure component of the pain cycle. Finally, adding a stimulus

(pressure) to the trigger point overrides the pain signals being transmitted, much like a train track which can be

switched.

The advantage of the Pressure Pointer is that while applying the pressure to the Trigger Points, the muscles involved

are able to be fully relaxed during treatment, allowing deeper penetration. It is important to understand that Trigger

Points are not the same as acupressure points. For treatment to be effective, the specific Trigger Point, or contracted

portion of the muscle, must be contacted.

Page 3

Pressure Pointer

WHY SHOULD I USE THE PRESSURE POINTER?

Self treatment of Trigger Points

is one of the best and most

effective ways to achieve long

lasting pain relief. For Trigger

Point therapy to be effective, you

must use moderate to heavy

pressure. Many of the products

currently on the market are hand

held devices. Using these tools

requires arm and hand strength,

which is often difficult if these are

already painful areas.

that the target

muscles are free to

be taken through

ranges of motion or to

perform specific

stretches while

applying pressure at

the same time. This

just isn’t possible with

the hand held

devices.

providing the most

comfort for your

individual needs.

Foot Pressure allows the

target muscles to relax, and

keeps you from getting tired

during treatment.

Finally, the Pressure

Pointer provides a

comprehensive

treatment manual that

teaches you about

your muscles and their

Trigger Points, helps

you locate Trigger

Points for treatment,

and offers specific stretches to

help the Trigger Points from

returning.

The Pressure Pointer

also includes a variety of

interchangeable heads which

can range from very specific,

localized pressure to broader,

rolling massage. Since

everyone is different, having

many options allows you to

maximize your treatment while

The Pressure Pointer relies on

leg power to provide the firm

pressure needed without tiring

sore and painful upper body

muscles. This also allows the

target muscles to be relaxed

during treatment. Another

advantage during treatment is

TIPS FOR SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT

USING THE TREATMENT

MANUAL

• Use Pressure Pointer to avoid fatigue

• Deep stroking is often more effective than fixed

pressure

• Use short, repeated strokes

• Do not stroke back and forth - stroke in one direction

only

• Apply and release pressure slowly

• Apply pressure for 1 minute - if there is no decrease in

pain, leave it alone...this is not a trigger point

• Before treatment, rate your pain on scale of 0 - 10

(0=best, 10=worst)

• Maintain pressure until your pain has decreased to a

level of 2 or 3 - the length of time this will take varies

from muscle to muscle and from person to person

• Repeat treatments 6 - 12 times per day for best

results

• Be sure to perform the stretches once the Trigger

Points are deactivated. Stretching with an active

Trigger Point can actually increase your pain.

• If you experience bruising, don’t panic. You will want

to use less pressure next time.

The muscle illustrations show the location of

the muscle. Each muscle is shown on one

side of the body only. There is always a

mate on the opposite side of the body.

The most common Trigger Point locations

are indicated by a circle on the muscle. This

is a general guide only. Your Trigger Points

may be found in a location near the location

shown in the illustration. Be sure to search

carefully to find your Trigger Points - for

treatment to be effective, you must apply

pressure directly to the Trigger Point.

The referral patterns are indicated by

shaded areas on the body. Most are shown

on only one side of the body. The referral

pattern will occur on the same side of the

body as the Trigger Point. Again, this is a

guideline only, and some pain referral can

be caused by more than one muscle. You

must be a detective to determine if only

some, or all, muscles are affecting you

personally.

If you have questions, or need assistance

with your Pressure Pointer, call Pressure

Products, or consult a local health care

professional.

Page 4

Pressure Pointer

Trapezius Muscle Location and Trigger

Points

Trapezius Referred

Pain Patterns

The Trapezius is a major

source of headache pain,

typically the type of pain

experienced as a “tension

headache.” It can also be a

cause of dizziness, jaw, and

toothache pain. Tightness felt

in the neck and back of the

skull often comes from Trigger

Points in the Trapezius.

If neck massage does not

relieve the sensation of

tightness in the neck, Trigger

Points in the Trapezius are the

most likely culprit.

Computer users and others who use their arms for

extended periods of time will recognize the burning pain

between the shoulder blades.

Referred pain from the Trapezius can be found in such a

wide variety of locations, that it commonly leads to

misdiagnosis, including shoulder bursitis, headaches,

disc compression, or a “pinched nerve.” Using the

Pressure Pointer may help alleviate your symptoms.

Trapezius Stretch

Place right arm behind back, and grasp wrist with left

hand, as shown.

Bend neck sideways to the left while pulling on right

arm.

Hold for 10-15 seconds.

Repeat for other side.

Repeat cycle three times, at least three times daily.

Page 4

Page 5

Pressure Pointer

Levator Scapula Muscle Location

Levator Scapula

Referred Pain Patterns

The Levator Scapula muscle’s main function

is to raise the shoulder blade. Stress and

tension keep the shoulders raised, creating

increased tension on this muscle. Poor

posture can also be a factor.

When Trigger Points are evident in this muscle, it can be very painful. This muscle is

typically involved when you find yourself unable to turn your head. In this case, the

direction which you cannot turn is the side that of the problematic Trigger Point.

Using the Pressure Pointer to treat the Trigger Points can help restore full movement.

Trigger Points in this muscle also create pain and stiffness along the neck and the

edge of the shoulder blade.

Levator Scapula Stretch

Sit on chair. Grasp seat of chair with right hand.

Place left hand on head and gently pull forward

and to the opposite side at the same time, until a

stretch is felt.

Hold for 10-15 seconds.

Repeat for other side.

Repeat cycle three times, at least three times

daily.

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