Traditional Massage

MTPT Traditional Massage

History to evaluate and treat perpetuating factors History to determine contraindications

Pain Pattern drawing Pain Pattern drawing to

Range of Motion Testing determine where to Postural Evaluation concentrate treatment

To determine where to treat

Patient treated in multiple positions Client treated in prone &

With muscles on a slight stretch supine

Person to be treated is viewed as a Person to be treated is viewed

Patient. as a Client

Each patient receives a ROM exercise program occasional stretches are given

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 treat.

Range of Motion Testing

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 determine the effectiveness of treatment. Range of motion testing brings objectivity into the treatment.

Postural Evaluation

Traditional Massage

Specific evaluation of posture is not generally emphasized in traditional massage training. It is often 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 the patient is 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.

Client or Patient?

Traditional Massage

Traditional Massage views the person being treated as a client. The therapist is providing a service. The therapist often studiously avoids being characterized as a “medical” person.

Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy

Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists refer to the person being treated as a patient. They are considered to be members of the health care team. They generally work with medical clearance and/or referral. They frequently are found working in doctor’s offices and tend to continue their education at medical conferences. They function best as members of a multidisciplinary health care team.

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 deal with a host of issues and conditions that perpetuate trigger point activity. They usually assign a range of motion exercise program. They often deal with ergonomic and nutritional issues that impact muscle health. They function as educators and facilitators in guiding their patients toward muscular health.