Myofascial Release & Trigger Point Therapy

Myofascial release therapy is a type of manual therapy that can be used to alleviate pain by working on the muscles and tendons of the body. This type of therapy is similar to a massage although it is more targeted at the individual areas of discomfort. Myofascial release is great for loosening up tight musculature which allows the area to relax and become less painful.

The muscles and the fascia are parts of the musculoskeletal system that work together to propel the body. While most people know what muscles are, fascia is a relativly unkown term. The fascia is the connective tissue that attaches the skin, muscles, and other internal organs together. When myofascial release therapy is used for treating pain it is often performed over larger areas of the body and not just over the area that is painful.

Myofascial release therapy is often performed with a manual therapists hands but it can also be done with different types of tools. When it is performed it is often relaxing in nature though sometimes the treatment can feel like a deep stretch. A well trained practitioner will thoroughly communicate with their patient as the treatment is on going. This allows the patient to relax and understand what is happening.

It is often effective to add patient guided movement in with myofascial release. This moves the muscles and the joints through their normal range of motion while the are is being worked on. When a patient is suffering from a sprain or a strain this can be particularly useful. With this technique the area can be rehabilitated quickly.

Trigger point therapy is another type of manual therapy but is generally more focused then myofascial release. While myofascial release works on large parts of the body trigger point therapy is focused on small, often dime sized, areas.

Trigger point therapy originates from the work of Janet Travell M.D. & David Simons M.D. They studied trigger points and essentially developed trigger point therapy. They surmised that trigger points could cause pain that reffers to other parts of the body. For instance a trigger point in the neck can cause pain that goes up the neck and around the head, which can give a patient headaches.

If you have ever felt a muscle knot then you have felt a trigger point. A trigger point is an area of muscle that has contracted and does not relax. It is theorized that this is due to restricted blood flow during a contraction. When trigger point therapy is performed the goal is to get the contraction to release.

Trigger point therapy is performed by applying direct pressure over the trigger point.  This is believed to bring blood flow back to the area which allows for the muscle to relax.

If you suffer from neck pain, back pain, headaches, or have suffered a musculoskeletal injury then myofascial release or trigger point therapy may be right for you.

The only way to know for sure is by having a through history and examination performed by a qualified practitioner. Some individuals may completely respond to these therapies while others may only temporarily respond, not respond at all, or even have their condition flare up. An in-depth examination performed helps to separate the responders from the non-responders. It can also determine the root cause of the problem for both the responders and the non-responders.

At Tauberg Chiropractic & Rehabilitation you will be treated one on one by Dr. Tauberg. Dr. Tauberg has advanced training in soft tissue work is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner and a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist. He has worked with all level of athletes. Being treated by a highly trained professional ensures that you are receiving the right care, reduces the risks, and are provided the appropriate type of therapy. This allows you to receive the best care possible so that you can feel like your optimal self.

Call and schedule your complimentary discover visit today! During your discovery visit you I (Dr.Tauberg) will meet with you and discus your condition.

I can then give you a better idea on what is going on with your condition and if you are likely to respond well to myofascial or trigger point therapy.

If I don’t think I can help you I will tell you so and help you find someone who can.

Call me at 412-517-8124 or schedule a call below!

Bauer, Brad. Myofascial release therapy: Can it relieve back pain? 4 20, 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/expert-answers/myofascial-release/faq-20058136 (accessed 5 24, 2019).

Ganfield, Lisa. Myofascial Release Therapy. 08 06, 2009. https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/physical-therapy/myofascial-release-therapy (accessed 5 24, 2019).

Ingraham, Paul, and Tim Taylor. Trigger Points & Myofascial Pain Syndrome. 5 22, 2019. https://www.painscience.com/tutorials/trigger-points.php (accessed 5 24, 2019).