Research studies show that 85-93% of patients entering pain centers have trigger points causing their pain.* Trigger point therapy involves thorough examination, treatment, and self-care training to eliminate pain, increase range of motion, and restore full function.
During treatment, a patient's pain pattern, range of motion, and muscle strength are assessed. Muscles with trigger points are identified and treated, and the patient is screened for likely structural, biochemical, and ergonomic/behavioral perpetuating factors that predispose muscles to trigger point-related dysfunction.
An important component of treatment includes the deactivation of trigger points through a variety of means including heat, compression, and stretching, as well as acupuncture and other TCM modalities. The goal of treatment is to eliminate pain and restore full range of motion and function for the patient. Self-care training and the identification of perpetuating factors help ensure the effectiveness of treatment. Trigger Point therapists rely on referred pain patterns to guide their treatment. Each muscle can have multiple referring muscles that may contain trigger points. For example, if a patient has thumb pain, therapists treat not only the thumb muscles, but also muscles in the hand, arm, shoulder and neck that can refer pain to the thumb.
Self-care training sessions may include the use of Trigger Point Compression Tools, Therapy Balls, Stretch-Straps and other self-care tools and may be videotaped for home use. Patients take an active role in treatment by performing these special exercises and treating themselves at home. After patients become pain free, they are then trained in a pain prevention program.
Commonly treated disorders include (but are not limited to):
* A neurologist examining 96 patients from a community pain medical center found that 93% had at least part of their pain caused by myofascial trigger points and in 74%, myofascial trigger points were considered the primary cause of pain. Gerwin RD. A study of 96 subjects examined both for fibromyalgia and myofascial pain [Abstract]. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain 3 (Supp 1):121, 1995. Among 283 consecutive admissions to a comprehensive pain center, a primary organic diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome was assigned in 85% of cases. A neurosurgeon and a physiatrist made this diagnosis independently, based on physical examination as described by Travell & Simons. http://www.myopain.com/myofascialpain.html
Traditional Thai massage is a deep, full-body treatment incorporating a combination of yoga-like stretching, acupressure, and energy meridian work. Some people refer to Traditional Thai Massage as "lazy man's yoga," because the therapist is able to support a client in stretches that are yoga poses. Clients are able to experience the benefit of yoga poses that would be difficult to achieve unassisted, as it can take years to develop the requisite strength, balance and flexibility to achieve the poses in a solo yoga practice. The therapist also works energy lines while the client is in a specific pose; this has a synergistic effect in opening and energizing the body.
Thai massage has many benefits including:
Thai massage can be done on a table, but is generally performed on a thick mat on the floor, with the client fully clothed. Generally, no oils or lotions are used during a session.
Thai massage is a traditional healing modality that has been practiced in Thailand for centuries. It is known by many different names including Thai yoga massage, Thai yoga therapy, nuad boran, and nuat thai. The Thais believe that energy flows through the body along ten major channels or sen lines. If an obstruction occurs in any of these channels it is believed that pain or disease results. In this sense, traditional Thai medicine is similar to many other ancient healing systems, which believe that illnesses are caused by an imbalance or obstruction within the individual, or by an imbalance between an individual and the environment.
This treatment combines traditional Thai massage with Luk Pra Kob, a warm herbal compress with excellent anti-inflammatory benefits. Thai herbs, including varieties of ginger, lemongrass, camphor, kaffir lime and other elements, are steamed in a cotton bag and applied to the body during a Thai massage. This combination of compression, stretching, moist-heat, and aromatherapy produces a wonderful treatment experience that has been used for hundreds of years in Thailand to relieve aches and pains.
Maya Abdominal Massage is a non-invasive, external massage technique which guides internal abdominal organs into their proper position for optimum health and well-being. Maya massage improves organ function by releasing physical and emotional congestion from the abdomen. It is effective for both men and women.
The technique applies anatomy, physiology, herbology and naprapathy (the study of ligaments, joints, and muscles), with Ancient Maya healing techniques to address many common female and male complaints, including dysmenorrhea, PMS, incontinence, low-back pain, and prostate issues. Maya Abdominal Massage relieves congestion and blockages to improve the flow of chi and fluids in the circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems to prevent the progression of chronic disease.
Dr. Rosita Arvigo, DN, developed these techniques, after apprenticing with Don Elijio Panti, one of the last traditional Maya shaman in Central America. Dr. Arvigo has lived, worked, and studied with traditional healers in Central America for over 30 years. The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage combines modern science with traditional healing and wisdom to produce a holistic path to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
For more information on Maya Abdominal Massage please visit: http://www.arvigomassage.com