Just picked up an interesting book called The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook. I'm not a qualified full body massage therapist, but have just realised that the technique is really very easy to use as a self-treatment. My husband has awful back and sciatic pain, he declined an operation (as usual) many years ago, so he just lives with the pain but seems to be popping a lot of pain killers. He takes a mulit-vit and Omega 3 oils which have helped but dont seem to get to the root of the problem.
This week I have been reading this book and locating the trigger points, of which he has many, we have started working on certain points so I will keep you informed of progress.
Does anyone use these techniques? I realise that by having a massage you are going over the whole muscle but not everyone can afford a whole body massage on a regular basis (which would be bliss) The other thing is that you are able to massage at any time of the day or night, it is fairly gentle, and you know if you have pressed too hard as you are in control and if you get a bruise you know why.
Many thanks for reading this.
Fudge
Hi Fudge,
I have been using Trigger Point Therapy for around 15 years now, after being introduced to them by my boss at the time, after I had been involved in a car accident and had whiplash.
Most muscular pain is caused by Trigger Points, and they are medically recognised, and even treated in hospital.
I would highly recommend that you do some hands on training in the therapy, even if its just a workshop, as it is an excellent therapy.
Some people think that its too harsh on the client, and yes it can be uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, but this should only last a few seconds, after which the pain, and trigger point usually subsides.
How was your husband diagnosed with Sciatica? Has he had xray or scan to rule out disc damage?
A lot of sciatic cases are actually mis-diagnosed, and are usually piriformis syndrome, however, you need to be careful when treating this, as a lot of therapists just tend to get their elbows in, when in actual fact they could be doing more harm on the nerve.
Good luck with your hubby.
Many thanks for such a quick response and I will keep my eyes open for a course. (unless someone can tell me where I would find one?)
What I like about this therapy is that when you do this to yourself you are in control and can do it anywhere. I realise that I helped someone who had been receiving treatment for 'tennis' elbow for years. I was doing IHM and Reflex on her as she agreed to be one of my case studies when I was training. Looking back and comparing the diagrams, I can see that the IHM covered trigger points in her upper arms and I do recall finding a very tender area in her upper arm, and didnt continue down her arm incase I hurt her, but the following week I asked how her arm had been and she said fine and she let me continue the whole treatment at each visit.
Looking back at my notes, I think the combined effect of reflex, IHM and along with the unexpected finding of that trigger point had a positive impact on her, and still today she hasnt experienced any problems or pain with her elbow. Often you dont get feedback years later, but I can say she still hasnt had a problem.
As for my husband, he has had a number of MRI Scans and we can see quite plainly where the problem is and he would'nt let anyone use an elbow on him as he finds it too painful. After reading the book, all the stretching that the physio's was making him do, was doing him more harm than good, and now I understand why.
He has been a very good case study, the IHM and refelexoloy, essential oils have helped but so far we havent got to the root of his pain, but maybe we are getting closer.
Will keep you posted on his progress and thank you for the information in your post.
Fudge
Hi Fudge,
Is the book by Clair Davies? I've looked at that on the internet and wondered if it was any good. I have got a Trigger Point Self Care Manual but have never got into it
Are you in North or South Wales?
Yes, that's the book.
I'm in South Wales, near Swansea
Been reading more and my head is full of info, but hubby is away this weekend so I cant try out a few more points.
Fudge
Hi Fudge,
I think the trigger point therapy work book gives excellent treatment advice. Once you get the palpation and pressure techniques right you can work wonders in pain controll and injury recovery.
Its been my favoured technique for 10 yrs and continues to deliver very good results in the majority of cases.
Three important points to remember are ;-
1/ warm the area prior to treatment, this will help the elasticity of the blood vessels and reduce the chance of bruising.
2/ use a 1 to 10 scale for pressure and have 8 as the cut off = this is when your client tells you the pressure is becoming uncomfortable.
3/ Pinpoint accuracy on the palpated triggerpoint is required to achieve best results.
regards steve
I have to say that when you have trigger points released its the best feeling in the world!