| Beyond Massage |
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
1. History to evaluate and deal with
perpetuating factors
2. Pain Pattern drawing to determine
which muscles are most likely
sending their pain pattern. This is
usually (about 75% of the time) some
distance away from where the pain is
felt.
3. Range of Motion Testing is regularly
performed to identify which muscles
are likely to contain trigger points.
Muscles with trigger points are known
to be less flexible. When the trigger
point is released the muscle regains
its flexibility.
4. Postural Evaluation
To determine which muscles may be
tight and causing poor posture. Poor
posture is known to perpetuate trigger
points and pain.
5. Treatment is performed in multiple
positions with the muscles on a slight
stretch to aid in identifying trigger
points.
6. Each person receives a ROM
flexibility/stretching program program.
1. History to evaluate and deal with
perpetuating factors
2. Pain Pattern drawing to determine
which muscles are most likely
sending their pain pattern. This is
usually (about 75% of the time) some
distance away from where the pain is
felt.
3. Range of Motion Testing is regularly
performed to identify which muscles
are likely to contain trigger points.
Muscles with trigger points are known
to be less flexible. When the trigger
point is released the muscle regains
its flexibility.
4. Postural Evaluation
To determine which muscles may be
tight and causing poor posture. Poor
posture is known to perpetuate trigger
points and pain.
5. Treatment is performed in multiple
positions with the muscles on a slight
stretch to aid in identifying trigger
points.
6. Each person receives a ROM
flexibility/stretching program program.
Traditional Massage
1. History to determine contraindications.
2. Pain Pattern drawing to determine
where to concentrate treatment. This
is usually where the pain is felt.
3. Range of Motion testing is rarely
performed.
4. Postural Evaluation is rarely performed.
5. Client treated in prone (on the belly) &
supine (on the back).
6. Occasional stretches are given
1. History to determine contraindications.
2. Pain Pattern drawing to determine
where to concentrate treatment. This
is usually where the pain is felt.
3. Range of Motion testing is rarely
performed.
4. Postural Evaluation is rarely performed.
5. Client treated in prone (on the belly) &
supine (on the back).
6. Occasional stretches are given
| Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy Compared To Traditional Massage |
History
Traditional Massage
The purpose of having a client fill out a history form is to avoid treating people with conditions
that could be dangerous in a normal massage session
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
A Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist utilizes a detailed history to determine contraindications
also. They then use the history to determine what types of conditions or lifestyle issues may be
perpetuating the patient’s pain complaint. These conditions may be addressed by educating
the patient in such areas as nutrition and ergonomics or by referral to a health care specialist
to evaluate or treat the dysfunction.
Pain Pattern Drawing
Traditional Massage
In traditional massage the client or therapist shades in an area of pain on the history sheet on
the first session. This allows the therapist to determine where to concentrate treatment.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
In Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy the patient outlines the area of pain with 1 finger and the
therapist shades in the pain drawing. The patient evaluates the pain drawing for accuracy. The
therapist then compares the drawing with known pain patterns to determine which muscles
may be causing the pain complaint. This is often followed by range of motion testing, postural
evaluation, and assessment of muscle recruitment patterns of muscles allowing the therapist
to determine which areas to address.
Range of Motion Assessment
Traditional Massage
This is rarely taught in traditional massage. The client usually gives a brief history and gets on
the table for treatment.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
A Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist relies on range of motion testing to determine which
muscles contain trigger points, where to work, and to have a standard by which both patient
and therapist can assess the effectiveness of the session. Range of motion assessment
brings objectivity into the therapy.
Postural Evaluation
Traditional Massage
Specific evaluation of posture is not generally emphasized in traditional massage training. It
may be learned in continuing education.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
Postural Evaluation is essential in myofascial trigger point therapy. It is usually performed
every session to give the therapist an understanding of where to work. Individual posture
changes with treatment, secondary to injury, and with sustained positions or daily activity. Poor
posture is a common perpetuator of trigger point activity and is often the focus of treatment in
myofascial trigger point therapy.
Treatment Positions
Traditional Massage
Traditional massage generally treats clients face up (supine) or face down (prone). Most
strokes are done on one side with the client draped (covered) with a sheet. The client usually
turns over and is treated on both sides.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
In myofascial trigger point therapy people are usually treated in a number of positions.
Muscles are usually placed in a slight stretch to allow the therapist to more accurately locate
trigger points. This results in more specific treatment and better results. It also makes it
easier for the therapist to stretch the muscle after its treatment.
Post Treatment
Traditional Massage
Traditional massage therapists will often ask clients to drink water after a massage. Some
advise clients to stretch or take a warm bath.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists educate people on a host of issues and conditions that
perpetuate trigger point activity. They usually recommend a range of motion flexibility program.
They often discuss ergonomic and nutritional issues that impact muscle health. They function
as educators and facilitators in guiding their patients toward muscular health. These services
are offered here in the Pittsburgh area.
Traditional Massage
The purpose of having a client fill out a history form is to avoid treating people with conditions
that could be dangerous in a normal massage session
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
A Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist utilizes a detailed history to determine contraindications
also. They then use the history to determine what types of conditions or lifestyle issues may be
perpetuating the patient’s pain complaint. These conditions may be addressed by educating
the patient in such areas as nutrition and ergonomics or by referral to a health care specialist
to evaluate or treat the dysfunction.
Pain Pattern Drawing
Traditional Massage
In traditional massage the client or therapist shades in an area of pain on the history sheet on
the first session. This allows the therapist to determine where to concentrate treatment.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
In Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy the patient outlines the area of pain with 1 finger and the
therapist shades in the pain drawing. The patient evaluates the pain drawing for accuracy. The
therapist then compares the drawing with known pain patterns to determine which muscles
may be causing the pain complaint. This is often followed by range of motion testing, postural
evaluation, and assessment of muscle recruitment patterns of muscles allowing the therapist
to determine which areas to address.
Range of Motion Assessment
Traditional Massage
This is rarely taught in traditional massage. The client usually gives a brief history and gets on
the table for treatment.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
A Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist relies on range of motion testing to determine which
muscles contain trigger points, where to work, and to have a standard by which both patient
and therapist can assess the effectiveness of the session. Range of motion assessment
brings objectivity into the therapy.
Postural Evaluation
Traditional Massage
Specific evaluation of posture is not generally emphasized in traditional massage training. It
may be learned in continuing education.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
Postural Evaluation is essential in myofascial trigger point therapy. It is usually performed
every session to give the therapist an understanding of where to work. Individual posture
changes with treatment, secondary to injury, and with sustained positions or daily activity. Poor
posture is a common perpetuator of trigger point activity and is often the focus of treatment in
myofascial trigger point therapy.
Treatment Positions
Traditional Massage
Traditional massage generally treats clients face up (supine) or face down (prone). Most
strokes are done on one side with the client draped (covered) with a sheet. The client usually
turns over and is treated on both sides.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
In myofascial trigger point therapy people are usually treated in a number of positions.
Muscles are usually placed in a slight stretch to allow the therapist to more accurately locate
trigger points. This results in more specific treatment and better results. It also makes it
easier for the therapist to stretch the muscle after its treatment.
Post Treatment
Traditional Massage
Traditional massage therapists will often ask clients to drink water after a massage. Some
advise clients to stretch or take a warm bath.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists educate people on a host of issues and conditions that
perpetuate trigger point activity. They usually recommend a range of motion flexibility program.
They often discuss ergonomic and nutritional issues that impact muscle health. They function
as educators and facilitators in guiding their patients toward muscular health. These services
are offered here in the Pittsburgh area.
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Carol Finn MTPT Richard Finn, CMTPT
412-266-2359 412-779-7822
carolmfinn@gmail.com pittsburghpainrelief@hotmail.com
412-266-2359 412-779-7822
carolmfinn@gmail.com pittsburghpainrelief@hotmail.com