Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain: The Practice of Informed Touch

Myofascial pain syndromes are among the fastest growing problems that physicians, osteopaths, acupuncturists, and physical, occupational, and massage therapists encounter in their patients. In Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial PainDonna and Steven Finando have organized vast amounts of information on treating myofascial pain into an accessible ""user's manual"" for healthcare practitioners. They examine a wide range of pain patterns and present evaluation and palpation techniques for reducing trigger points--and thereby alleviating pain--in the most clinically significant musculature of the body. This comprehensive yet easy-to-use reference guide to treatment of muscle pain begins with chapters on the concept of Qi and its relationship to myology, specific trigger point location and activation, and palpatory skill-building techniques. Subsequent sections provide detailed information on each muscle to teach clinicians to locate quickly and accurately individual points of pain and compensation. A visual index allows easy identification of the muscles that may be involved. Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Painprovides necessary and invaluable information for sufferers and any professional involved with myofascial disorders.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments Introduction: A Gathering of Forces: Toward an Era of Interdisciplinary Cooperation in the Treatment of Pain Chapter 1 The Nature of Muscles and Trigger Points Chapter 2 Qi, Movement, and Health Chapter 3 Informed Touch Chapter 4 Diagnosis and Treatment Chapter 5 How to Use This Manual Muscles of the Head, Neck, and Face Sternocleidomastoid • Scalenes • Splenius Capitis • Splenius Cervicis • Posterior Cervicals • Temporalis • Masseter • Pterygoids Muscles of the Shoulder Girdle Trapezius • Levator Scapulae • Rhomboids • Serratus Anterior • Pectoralis Minor Muscles of the Upper Limb Pectoralis Major • Deltoid • Latissimus Dorsi • Teres Major • Supraspinatus • Infraspinatus • Teres Minor • Subscapularis • Biceps Brachii • Triceps Brachii • Brachialis • Brachioradialis • Hand and Finger Extensors • Hand and Finger Flexors Muscles of the Torso Erector Spinae • Quadratus Lumborum • Iliopsoas • Rectus Abdominis • Abdominals Muscles of the Lower Limb Gluteus Maximus • Gluteus Medius • Gluteus Minimus • Tensor Fasciae Latae • Piriformis • Hamstrings • Quadriceps • Adductors • Pectineus • Gracilis • Sartorius • Popliteus • Gastrocnemius • Soleus • Tibialis Posterior • Tibialis Anterior • Peroneal Muscles • Long Extensors of the Toes • Long Flexors of the Toes Appendix 1: Meridian Pathways Appendix 2: On Cutaneous Zones Appendix 3: Commonly Used Acupoints Pain Pattern Index Symptom Index Bibliography