What is Trigger Point Therapy 

During a trigger point therapy session, the massage therapist will apply pressure to sore muscles in order provide some relief.  It is not uncommon that masseuses will combine a Swedish massage with trigger point therapy to obtain the best results.  There are two types of trigger points, active and latent.  Active trigger points will pass on pain to another area of the body when pressure is applied to the original sore spot.  Latent trigger points are only painful when pressure is applied to the direct spot.  The pain does not travel to other areas unlike active trigger points.  Physicians believe latent trigger points are caused from stiff joints and a restricted range of motion.  Trigger points are also known as knots and are very common in many people.  Some causes of trigger points include: accident or falls, poor posture, and overexertion. 

Purpose 

The purpose of treatment is to reduce pain and retrain the muscles into painless habits.  After 3 or 4 treatments the tenderness and pain is reduced and range of motion is increased.  Many individuals will also see an increase in flexibility, coordination and circulation.  Some people who would benefit from trigger point therapy include: athletes, arthritis patients, individuals with carpal tunnel, migraine sufferers, or people recovering from accidents or trauma.  People who can perform trigger point therapy are physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors.  Medical doctors are not trained in this specialty.  This treatment is a great non-invasive alternative to prescription drugs or surgery. 

History of Trigger Point Therapy

Janet Travel is credited for creating many theories behind trigger point therapy.  She was John F. Kennedy’s personal physician and treated him for back pain with this method.  This was defiantly a first for women during this time period.  She published papers on trigger point and then published the first volume of The Trigger Point Manuel.  In 1992, a second volume was released. 

Chiropractic care and massage therapy work well together for the treatment of musculoskeletal problems for patients. Because these two therapies work well together, many times a chiropractic physician will employ massage therapists in their office to provide a greater scope of care for their patients. Chiropractor massage is more widely accepted and utilized by the patient population. According to a 2005 poll in Consumer Reports, chiropractic care and massage therapy were reported by consumers as their most favorable options for the treatment of back pain. A large percentage of consumers reported that receiving chiropractic care was the most effective treatment option compared to conventional medical treatments and deep tissue massage therapy was rated as a very effective treatment tool for patients who complained of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. The report also stated that people found the exercises they received from chiropractic physicians to be very effective in helping with conditions such as depression, insomnia, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, allergies and respiratory problems. Alternative and conservative forms of health care such as chiropractic care and massage therapy are becoming more popular among patients because in general these treatments are low risk options that have the potential to relieve pain and discomfort without the use of drugs and surgery.

Very Popular

A chiropractic physician will employ massage therapists because a massage session can be lengthy. Massage therapists are also trained in a wide range of massage techniques so a patient can be sure that they are receiving knowledgeable care from the therapist. A chiropractor may choose to have their patients receive a massage prior to spinal manipulation. This is done to relax the muscles to make an adjustment more easily accomplished. A very popular form of massage therapy is deep tissue massage. This technique works well for chronic muscle spasms, overuse muscular injuries and more. This form of massage is not considered a relaxation massage because it can produce some discomfort. Massage clients may feel sore following this type of massage and it is recommended that a person drink large amounts of water following the session to help remove the lactic acid that is released during the massage. Often times a chiropractic physician will offer chair massage services to the public for free during health fairs, business stress relief days and trade shows. These 10 minute chair massages are performed by massage therapists and are considered mini relaxation massages. Chair massage is just a small taste of what a massage session can do for sore muscles.

References Cited in this Article

www.webmd.com

www.spine-health.com

There is much debate as to where the actual beginnings of massage therapy began and for what reasons. Some credit the Greek physician Hippocrates for bringing awareness of possible healing effects from the “friction” of rubbing and encouraging other physicians to use this technique to help their patients around 460 BC. It has also been noted that ancient communities in areas such as Rome, China, Greece and Egypt have documented writings mentioning the ideas of massage dating as far back as 300 BC. Taking a leap through time, medical massage techniques became popular in the 1850’s when a brother/doctor duo, George and Charles Taylor, brought their knowledge of the therapy with them to the United States from Europe.

Through Generations

 Once introduced in the United States, medical massage therapy techniques continued to gain popularity and during World War I, soldiers even received massage treatment for symptoms of post-war nervous conditions. Unfortunately, soon after, due to rapid medical technology advances, massage became more of a luxury instead of being included in the current mainstream health practices. Because of the decline in positive medical endorsement to massage therapy, the practice became more known for seedy parlors with more of a sexual nature accompanying the massage. Luckily, through generations of research and increased regulations, and the increased awareness of natural medicine, massage therapy began to gain back its status as a valid and necessary conservative health treatment option for patients.

References Cited in this Article

www.massagetherapyschools.net

www.naturalhealers.com

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Have you ever wondered what those funny looking chairs were in spas?  They are actually ergonomically-correct massage chairs.  A portable massage chair is so nice first of all because it allows the massage to take place in nearly every environment, it allows the patient to be completely clothed, and they’re typically a quick introduction to massage usually lasting no more than 15 minutes or so.  The therapist will ask the client how much pressure they would like, either a deep tissue or a superficial Swedish massage to ease the comfort of the client.  Next, the therapist will primarily perform Petrissage and percussion types of moves due to the client being fully clothed.  The areas to be massaged include the lower middle and upper back, the shoulders, the neck, arms, hands, and fingers.  Since a portable massage chair is typically an introduction to massage therapy, the therapist will definitely discuss the benefits of massage therapy in hopes of bringing in a new client to the existing office. 

The benefits of massage therapy

There are many benefits to massage therapy including: increased circulation, decreased heart rate and respiration, increased digestion, elimination of toxins and waste products,  reduction of stress and tension, rejuvenation, reduction and elimination of hyper-irritable bands of muscles, and many more.  Many massage therapists work closely with licensed Chiropractors and acupuncturists to harmonize the nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems. 

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a massage therapist?  A Massage Therapist Degree has never been more rewarding or more in demand.  People all around are unemployed, stressed to the max, and uncertain of their future.  This is the time they need massage therapy the most.  Massage promotes relaxation, rejuvenation, cellular healing, improves digestive function, decreases respiratory rate, and eliminates harmful toxins from the bloodstream all which will increase immune system function.  All these things combined will lift spirits, decrease depression and suicide rates, while increasing hope for the upcoming future of the economy. 

How long does it take?

A massage therapist degree takes about a year in duration in the following courses: human anatomy & physiology, kinesiology, pathology, hydrotherapy, orthopedic testing and range of motion evaluation, and clinical application.  The student therapist will learn various techniques like Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Roulement, Trigger Point Release, Myofascial Release, Cross-friction massage, and hydrotherapy application.  Most therapists will then choose to partake in an internship in places like hospitals, physical therapy rehabilitation centers, chiropractic offices, spas, or health clubs.  This will bring about real-world experiences to increase knowledge of the human body and associated health conditions and diseases.  Chiropractic, acupuncture, and physical therapy are all excellent adjuncts to massage therapy.  Chiropractic works on the overall nervous system and skeletal system, while acupuncture works on the meridians and chakras.  Whether you want a life-changing career or just want to learn a hobby, massage therapy is an awesome eastern modality to learn.   

Does your local Chiropractor offer massage therapy as well?  More and more Chiropractors are implementing chiropractic massage into their health care clinics.  Chiropractic care and massage therapy go hand in hand since they simultaneously work on the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems.  Typically, a Chiropractor will have the massage therapist administer a session prior to them manipulating the spine and/or extremities.  This will allow the muscles to be warm, relaxed, and respond better to a spinal manipulation as well as hold it longer.  The Chiropractor will perform a detailed case history and physical exam prior to taking an x-ray or perform a manual adjustment.  They will address any subluxations within the spinal column or extremities by delivering a thrust.  Chiropractors are trained for approximately 8 years before they may become licensed in any state.  In addition to licensure, they must also complete vigorous national board tests.  Furthermore, they may also implement physiotherapy in conjunction with the massage therapy.  Such modalities include but are not limited to: ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, cold laser, spinal decompression, whirlpool, inter-segmental traction, exercises, etc. 

What are the massage therapy benefits?

Many individuals have never experienced a professional massage from a licensed massage therapist.  This is very common, especially since the United States is in financial crisis and spending on luxury items isn’t the necessity.  However, massage therapy is very important to everybody since our culture as a whole is stressed out and overworked.  Massage therapy has many benefits such as: increased circulation, decreased stress and tension, increased immune system function, increased digestion, elimination of harmful toxins and waste products, purification of the skin, induced relaxation and rejuvenation.

What is a back massager?  This can either be someone delivering a massage to a client, a hand-held device, or a stationary chair.  All these provide the same benefits to different degrees of course.  The benefits of massage therapy include: increased circulation and lymphatic drainage, increased metabolic rate, decreased heart rate, induced relaxation and rejuvenation, elimination of harmful waste products and toxins, healing of tissues on a cellular level, and the reduction of stress and tension within the human body.  A massage therapist attends an accredited school between 500-1000 contact hours in the following course areas: human anatomy and physiology, pathology, kinesiology, hydrotherapy, orthopedic evaluation, range of motion testing, and clinical application.  They may further go on to attend classes in hot-stone massage, Reiki, Shiatsu, Thai massage, rain-drop massage, Cranial-Sacral technique, and acupuncture. 

Where to receive a massage?

Massage clinics are popping up in every community with many to choose from.  They are opening in private clinics, chiropractic clinics, sports and physical rehabilitation centers, acupuncture offices, spas, cruise ships, and even hospitals.  Also, massage therapists are always being employed at sporting events such as marathons, triathlons, and even the Olympics.  Upon graduation, the therapist has the option to further their credentials by taking the N.C.B.T.M.B. (Nationally Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) test.  This test focuses on Eastern as well as the Western influences and practices of massage therapy.  Once certified, the therapist must comply with board rules and complete 50 hours of continuing education every four years.  Some of the hours must be in the area of standard V ethics and boundaries.    

Who practices oriental massage?  Well, everyone who is a massage therapist does!  Oriental massage is the eastern ancient art of practicing massage therapy.  Massage therapists employ the following techniques: Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Roulement, Trigger Point Release, muscle stripping, Cyriax friction, and hydrotherapy application.  Some massage therapist’s further practice eastern modalities by taking Shiatsu, Thai massage, Cranial Sacral technique, and rain-drop technique.  Massage schools are becoming more frequent in the United States; colleges are now recognizing the importance of this profession and offering certification programs.  These programs are usually 500-1000 hours in duration and focus on many different subject areas.  These course areas include human anatomy and physiology, pathology, kinesiology, hydrotherapy, and clinical application.  More and more schools are implementing externships and internships within their curriculums.  This allows the therapist to gain additional information and practice before entering real-life situations.  Massage therapists may also choose to take the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or N.C.B.T.M.B. test.   

Massage therapists in Chiropractic offices

Employing massage therapists in chiropractic settings is the perfect balance and harmony of two professions.  The massage therapists work on the muscle imbalance while the chiropractor works on balancing the nervous system through manipulation of the spine and/or extremities.  The nervous system controls and coordinates every organ and body part in the human body.  A chiropractor will look for subluxation within the spine and/or extremities.  A subluxation is the mis-alignment of a vertebra or bone that may put additional pressure on the nerve root causing pain and inflammation.  This can cause less than optimal nervous system function, and a loss of normal range of motion.  The two professions work in conjunction to balance the muscular, skeletal, and the ever important nervous system.

Have you ever wondered what massaging was?  Well, it’s a verb used to describe the art of delivering a Chinese massage therapy session.  There are hundreds of schools all across the United States who either specialize in only massage therapy education or offer massage therapy programs within their college as a certification.  Typically, in the U.S, programs for certification are at least 500 hours in duration with many now requiring 1000 hours of curriculum.  Canada has enforced even higher levels of certification to graduate as a massage therapist; therefore the U.S. is mimicking their standards.  Massage therapy students take the following courses of study: human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, clinical application, and hydrotherapy.  Clinical massage therapy schools go beyond the normal studies and offer orthopedic testing, range of motion evaluation, and clinical protocols of specific injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Adhesive Capulitis, Tendonitis, Bursitis, Whiplash, Rotator cuff injuries, and many more.  They use specialized techniques like Trigger Point Release, Cyriax friction, muscle stripping, and contrast hydrotherapy applications to safely and effectively treat the conditions. 

Where to receive a massage?

There are many places to receive a massage but the most popular are chiropractic offices, private massage clinics, spas, health clubs and fitness centers, acupuncture facilities, physical therapy rehabilitation offices, and now hospitals.  Once a massage therapist graduates from an accredited school, he or she may choose to take the N.C.B.T.M.B test which requires applicants to engage in 50 hours of continuing education every four calendar years.  This not only increases the knowledge of the course area for the therapist but offers a sense of security and safety to the general public.  When suspicious of a therapist, the public always has the option of looking up any professional’s license on the state mandated Department of Financial and Profession Regulation.  

What is massage envy?  Well, it could be a person being envious of another person receiving a massage therapy session; it’s also the name of a popular massage therapy franchise.  Many people believe that massage therapy is not a practical finance but one reserved for a wealthy individual.  Contrary to popular belief, many insurance companies now accept massage therapy being covered as a therapeutic modality in many chiropractic and wellness clinics across the United States.  This is great news for individuals with acute or chronic repetitive injuries and need many modalities such as massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, or physical therapy to get their body as close to optimal as possible post accident.  Consequently, most massage therapists cannot bill for the massage therapy session themselves, most likely a physician has to order this and sometimes oversee the session taking place in the office.  This is why many massage therapist’s partner with a local chiropractor in the community for networking and insurance billing purposes.  

“The first massage”

Many consumers don’t know what to expect their first massage therapy experience.  Some think they have to get completely nude, while others have no problem with modesty.  The massage therapist will tell the individual to undress to their comfort level but to realize the more they undress the easier it is to administer the massage to the appropriate musculature.  He/she will then begin the massage with light pressure to familiarize their touch to the client.  They will appropriately check in with the client to determine the amount of pressure desired throughout the massage.  Once completed, a good massage therapist will give the client water and remind them to drink it thoroughly throughout the day and talk to them about the benefits of massage therapy and the importance of continued massage therapy care.  This ensures safety and a sense of comfort with the massage therapist.