Trigger Point Therapy

Therapy Guide

Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers.

These palpable nodules are the result of small contraction knots in muscle tissue. They are an extremely common cause of pain and are frequently misdiagnosed as some other problem, which often leads to a great deal of anguish for the patient.

Several common painful conditions are often relieved by trigger point therapy. Examples are: carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendinitis, angina pectoris, sciatic symptoms, along with many other painful problems.

Treatment of trigger points may be by local compression, injection of a local anesthetic such as procaine hydrocloride (novocain), "spray-and-stretch" using a cooling (vapo-coolant) spray, or by superficial dry needling. Many acupuncture practitioners do the superficial dry needling which is often considered the most effective and has the least side effects.

Therapy Guide

Shiatsu (Japanese from shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure) - is a massage technique originating in Japan.

Developed by Tokujiro Namikoshi it was refined and practiced throughout his life. In 1953 he introduced it to the West at the Palmer Chiropractic School. By 1964 The Japanese Ministry of Health reviewed the regulations and acknowledged Shiatsu, Massage Therapy and Anma as unique and independent therapeutic methods.

A common misconception is that Shiatsu was based on Oriental or Chinese medicine , it was not. It is based on modern anatomy and physiology and is not related to Acupuncture, Moxibustion or Anma therapy.