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Treating Occipitalis Trigger Points - Dr. Jonathan Kuttner

 

Ischemic Compression Technique 

 

Trigger Points and Common Neck Pain

Trigger point therapy is not a miracle cure but it can sometimes seem that way, especially when we bring relief to long term sufferers of common conditions such as neck pain.

This simple 5 step sequential technique (outlined below), can be extremely effective for both short and long term relief.  

This standard approach may be effective for chronic tension and neck ache, stress headache, cervical spine pain, and whiplash.

Trigger point therapy can be very effective for this region. Thanks to various studies over the years, we have a reasonably good idea of how these trigger points manifest. 

We do not know why following a certain order and sequence seems to accelerate the process. This is widely believed to relate to the "unlocking" of protective holding patterns that the body naturally adopts in response to trauma, stress and injury.

STEP 1

Study the anatomy and direction of the muscle fibers.

Head and Neck Trigger Points

 

Head and Neck Trigger Points

 

STEP 2

Trapezius Trigger Points

Start with sitting ICT to upper and middle trapezius (STP).

 

Rhomboid Trigger Points

Slide down the rhomboids (downward), only pausing on trigger points.

 

Splenius Capitis Trigger Points

Move up to trigger points within the splenius capitis.

 

Scalenes Trigger Points

Finally locate and inhibit trigger points in the scalenes group.

 

STEP 3

Generously massage the treatment area.

STEP 4

Cervical Erector Spinae Trigger Points

Dragging massage technique to cervical erector spinae:

With patient supine, stand on the opposite side. Place fingertips under muscles on opposite side of neck. Slowly drag patient toward you, while asking them to turn their head toward you. Repeat on other side.

STEP 5

Epicranius Trigger Points

With patient still supine, finish with ICT on posterior points of epicranius (occipitofrontalis), asking patient to drop the weight of their head into your fingers.

   

 

Links

Find a Trigger Point Professional in your area

Recent Articles - Neck Pain

Recent Articles - Headache

Treating Whiplash - Torsional Release

Dry Needling for Trigger Points

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About Niel Asher Education

Niel Asher Education is a leading provider of distance learning and continued education courses.

Established in the United Kingdom in 1999, we provide course and distance learning material for therapists and other healthcare professionals in over 40 countries.

Our courses are accredited by over 90 professional associations and national accreditation institutions including the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Full details of all international course accreditations can be found on our website.  

Printed course materials and other products offered on our websites are despatched worldwide from our 3 locations in the UK (London), USA (Pennsylvania) and Australia (Melbourne).

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NAMTPT AWARD

We are honored to have received the "Excellence in Education" Award from the National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists.

Since 1999 Niel Asher Education has won numerous awards for education and in particular for education and services provided in the field of trigger point therapy.

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Award Winning Instructors

Niel Asher Healthcare course instructors have won a host of prestigious awards including 2 lifetime achievement honorees - Stuart Hinds, Lifetime Achievement Honoree, AAMT, 2015, and Dr. Jonathan Kuttner, MD, Lifetime Achievement Honoree, NAMTPT, 2014.

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In addition to national accreditation for continued education, each course that we offer includes "NAT Learning Credits". By taking and completing courses you can accumulate NAT credits to qualify for NAT certification.

There are currently 3 levels of NAT certification. Certifying NAT is a valuable way to show your clients that you take continued education seriously, and to promote your skills and qualifications.

Most of our courses are accredited for CE/CPD/CPE. A full list of CE accreditations can be found by clicking on the link below. 

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Niel Asher Technique

Since 1999 the Niel Asher Technique for treating trigger points has been adopted by over 100,000 therapists worldwide, and has been applied to the treatment of a number of common musculoskeletal injuries.

The Niel Asher Technique for treating frozen shoulder was first introduced and published in 1997 and has been widely adopted by therapists and exercise professionals working within elite sports and athletics.

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When you purchase a "Printed" edition, you will also receive free access to the download edition.

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This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell. 

 

  

   

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