Treating Trigger Points in the Wrist Flexors - Golfer's Elbow   Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a form of tendinitis similar to tennis elbow Golfing is one of many root causes of the condition, which in reality can occur from any activity where there is overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm. Whilst the symptoms including pain at the elbow may be similar to tennis elbow, in the case of golfer’s elbow the pain and inflammation are experienced at the inside - medial side - of the joint. The medial epicondyle is a bony prominence on the inside of...

  What is the Connection Between Ankle Sprains and Trigger Points?   Foot pain, ankle pain, and ankle instability are often associated with trigger points  Anyone involved in athletics is particularly susceptible to an ankle sprain - an acute injury to any or all of the ligaments that support the ankle structure. Tearing or stretching of the ligaments can occur when the foot is rolled or twisted forcefully. High-impact sports involving jumping, sprinting or running on changing or uneven surfaces often lead to ankle sprains. Basketball, football, cross country and hockey are a few of the sports commonly associated with...

  Trigger Point Therapy Treatment for Spondylolisthesis    Spondylolisthesis is a fracture and slippage of a spinal vertebra (usually lower lumbar). It can develop for a range of reasons and can vary in severity. The majority fall into one of two categories - Traumatic or Degenerative. Whatever the underlying reason, the result is that the vertebrae literally slip either forward on the one below (Anterolysthesis) or backwards (Retrolysthesis). This can sometimes be felt as a palpable ‘step’ as you run your fingers down the patient's spine. Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Usually due to aging, a degenerative spondylolisthesis happens where the spine’s support system...

Dr. Jonathan Kuttner Presents an Overview of the Evidence Behind Trigger Point Therapy   Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons (1992) described a trigger point as, “A highly irritable localised spot of exquisite tenderness in a nodule in a palpable taut band of (skeletal) muscle” These hyperirritable localized spots can vary in size, and have been described as “tiny lumps,” “little peas,” and “large lumps”; they can be felt beneath the surface, embedded within the muscle fibers. If these spots are tender to pressure they may well be “trigger points.” The size of a trigger point nodule varies according to the...

Trigger Point Overview - Rectus Abdomini   Trigger points in the rectus abdomini are often associated with lower back pain The rectus abdominis flexes the lumbar spine, depresses the rib cage and stabilizes pelvis during walking.  This is the muscle which is activated while doing so-called "crunches" because it pulls the ribs and the pelvis in, and curves the back.     Rectus Abdominis - Trigger Point Referred Pain Maps   These muscles are also used when a child is delivered, during bowel movements, and coughing.  When this muscle is exercised and layers of fat disappear from the abdomen, the...