Trigger point therapy is one of the most intriguing and fastest-growing
bodywork styles in the world. Medical doctors, chiropractors, physical
therapists, and massage therapists are all beginning to use this technique
to relieve formerly undiagnosable muscle and joint pain--conditions that
studies have shown to be the cause of nearly 25 percent of all doctor
visits. The technique involves applying short, repeated massage strokes to
trigger points, tiny contraction knots in muscle tissue where restricted
circulation and lack of oxygen cause referred pain. Trigger points create
pain throughout the body in predictable patterns characteristic to each
muscle, producing discomfort ranging from mild to severe. Trigger point
massage increases circulation and oxygenation in the area and often
produces instant relief. This dynamic technique has made a huge impact
among health professionals and the public alike, becoming an overnight
classic in the field of pain relief. Thebook has sold over 155,000 copies since the release of the first edition in
2001. The second edition is a complete update and includes a new chapter
specifically for massage professionals, as well as a chapter on systematic
muscle relaxation techniques that can reinforce the therapeutic power of
trigger point work.