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. The book has sold over 220,000 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.
The first edition of this workbook is regarded as a classic in its field, and was the first book to introduce trigger point therapy to the general public as a self-care tool for alleviating chronic pain caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headache, muscle ache, and repetitive strain injuries. As the author makes clear, all such conditions are related to lack of oxygen in exhausted or injured muscle tissue. Trigger point therapy has been used for decades by doctors, pain specialists, and massage therapists to quickly stimulate the flow of oxygen and promote rapid pain reduction. This book makes the same techniques available to the general public with instructions that are easy to follow, and abetted by an extensive collection of charts and corresponding illustrations.
The author's interest in trigger point therapy began when he used it to successfully treat his frozen shoulder. Since that time, he has dedicated himself to teaching others the same techniques. That dedication is obvious throughout his writing and the care he takes to make the therapy understandable to the lay public. Also included in this new edition is updated information that should be of great interest to pain specialists and bodyworkers, as well as useful instruction in a variety of relaxation techniques. Overall, this book is an excellent self-care resource for anyone interested in pain relief.--Larry Trivieri Jr.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Essential for body awareness:
I have been giving this book as a gift, together with "Back Care Basics," since I discoverd its value in taking care of my body. I learned that many of the exercises I have used in the past, even those recommended by physical therapists, were actually doing damage to my muscles. Through the knowledge I acquired in this book, I am more able to help myself. I have severe back problems (scoliosis) and have been able to identify the muscles involved in my "out of balance" condition. I am 65 years old and do not... more info
A lot of pages:
I like short to the point books. I bought this with the use of a body back buddy. I don't know if I will be able to read every page, but there is a lot of good info in this book. To me some of it is obvious, but then again a lot of it is new info. I think it was worth the money. And glad I got it.
Buy it, it's worth every penny. Changed my life.:
I suffered from severe, sometimes debilitating upper back, neck, and head pain for over 15 years from abuse I suffered from sports and weight training. I followed the clear instructions in this book to find trigger points and get rid of them, and now I am pain free. No doctor, chiropractor, massage therapist, or physical therapist could help, but this $14 book helped me cure myself. I've sent 3 more copies to family and friends who also have found success using this simple, well documented, well written,... more info
Amazing. I was very surprised.:
I don't write many reviews unless a book is either exceptional or terrible. Looking at the reviews of this book, I think you get the picture. Even so, I felt compelled to write a review. Brief background, I've had chronic shoulder/upper neck pain since 1999. This has damaged my ability to stay in shape and has been an overall bummer. The pain has varied between minor to extreme that forced bed rest. No matter the case, its always been there. I've had surgery, chiropractic, you name it. The relief was... more info
