Services

Trigger Point Therapy

What are trigger points? Trigger points are discrete, focal, hyperirritable spots in a taut band of skeletal muscle. Acute trauma or chronic micro trauma results in stress on muscle fibers, leading to development of these painful “knots.” Clients often complain of localized and referred pain that is persistent, and results in decreased range of motion to the muscles involved. When firm pressure is applied directly to this site, the client will complain of pain at the site, and/or a radiation of pain toward a specific region. Clients may experience headaches, ringing in the ears, jaw pain, and back pain. Often there is difficulty sleeping.

Management:

1. The client is evaluated for predisposing or aggravating factors such as chronic overuse, or a stress injury
2. Pharmacologic measures to help control pain and reduce inflammation may be prescribed by your physician.
3. Non-pharmacologic measures within the practice of massage therapy include application of heat or ice, manual therapy, and stretching:
   • I will likely isolate the trigger point, and initially apply gentle massage to the surrounding tissue.
   • Significant pressure is then applied and held while I assess your pain level, and any radiation of pain. More gentle massage is then used in this entire region.
   • Passive stretching of affected muscles as appropriate
   • If necessary, cold application may be applied.
   • Self-care instructions will be given to enhance your recovery

Client Goals:

1. Relief from pain and discomfort
2. Better range of motion to affected area
3. Improved sense of well-being
4. More restful sleep

Tender Point Therapy

What are tender points? Tender points are areas of local tenderness occurring in muscle, a muscle tendon junction, or bursa. Generally, this is considered to be a region near or in a joint. Upon application of pressure, there is no referred pain. The client generally experiences a general total body increase in pain sensitivity.

Management:

1. After locating the tender point with my finger, I will gently place the affected body part in a position of ease / comfort as I monitor the tension of the trigger point.
2. You will be asked a series of questions regarding any increase or decrease in tenderness. This allows me to assess any changes occurring in tissue tension.
3. I will then hold this position for a short time, and will adjust my pressure on the point accordingly.
4. I will then slowly return the affected region to the original position.
5. This may be repeated 1-2 more times as needed.

Client Goals:

1. Minimal or no tenderness to the corresponding point

Muscle Stripping Therapy- What is it?

This technique involves deep tissue manual therapy as a way to clear out the adhesions (scar tissue) formed in muscle fibers. Very slow, firm, and deep movements are applied to the affected area, using the thumbs, elbows, or knuckles. The motion simulates “stripping” of the muscle. The primary function of this technique is to elongate the muscle fibers, allowing them to resume their correct anatomical position, and eliminates the “knots” present. These “knots” can appear after incorrectly healed or untreated past injury.

This technique has also been used in athletes as a way to accelerate recovery after an event, or as a pre-event ‘tune-up.’ The goal here is to ‘loosen up’ the muscles to allow for peak performance and recovery.

Friction—What is it?

This technique is used mainly on ligament or tendon injuries to help break down scar tissue. Using fingers, pressure is applied in a circular motion directly across the affected area. This is done for about 3-5 minutes, followed by cold application. Generally, this needs to be done several times – the severity of injury determines how quickly healing will occur. As scar tissue is broken down, the client will notice a decrease in pain, with the goal of complete relief. When this can be done in the early stage of injury, often only a few sessions are needed to achieve optimal pain relief.

Clinical integration allows for the therapist to review the client’s health history, discuss current physical “trouble spots,” evaluate the client’s functionality / limitations, and develop a management plan.  Appropriate massage techniques will be applied. Finally, self-care instructions are discussed with the client.

This appointment allows for a lengthy dialogue between therapist and client, prior to any actual hands on massage. Together, various options are discussed. A plan is developed, and usually incorporates a significant amount of independent ‘work’ (self-care) by the client at home. Generally, advice and direction is needed on how to best achieve optimal functioning.  While there is usually an overriding issue that brings the client here, it may be very isolated and require a minimum ‘hands-on’ contribution by the massage therapist. Clients are often seeking to make a long-term lifestyle change specific to their particular situation.

A program providing for the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of those approaching death. The basic purpose is to enhance quality of life, regardless of the expected duration of that life. According to National Hospice Organization literature, the primary goal is to help individuals who are coping with diseases considered to be terminal or incurable to live as fully and comfortably as possible, in familiar surroundings, and in the company of family and friends. (AMTA) The emphasis is on holistic care and alternative/non-traditional modalities are often included in the ‘plan of care’ for the client.