About Clinical Bodywork by Randy
What is a Trigger Point (TrP)?
A Myofascial Trigger Points (TrP) is a collection of overstimulated sarcomeres (muscle fibers) that are unable to release. You would call it a knot. A skilled therapist such as myself can locate them by searching along a taut band of muscle looking for a hypersensitive node. When active, a TrP will cause pain in a documented referral pattern. These referral patterns have been researched and are documented.
I have dedicated myself to understanding muscular anatomy and pain referral patterns. This knowledge enables me to evaluate a soft tissue problem and know where to apply treatment for optimal results.
Treat the Source not Necessarily Where it Hurts
In the documented referral patterns caused by Myofascial Trigger Points, the majority of the time the pain is felt a distance away from the source.
The graphic to the right shows the referral pattern for the scalene muscles located on the side of the neck. It is taken from the work of Janet Travell, MD whose lifelong exhaustive study of trigger points is the primary source I use. In the example, you can see the pain is not felt in the neck at all, but is commonly felt at the shoulder blade, front of the shoulder, and with a numb or tingling sensations in the thumb and pointer finger. Pain can also be felt in the upper chest and upper arm when these neck muscles are tight.
You want a therapist like myself that understands these patterns to effectively find the sources of pain, and how to treat them to make it better.
A Winning Combination of Knowledge, Tools, & Technique
I've been trained and certified in multiple styles of clinical bodywork. I combine my knowledge with the use of tools and techniques to get muscles to release and improve ranges of motion. I may use tools like percussion, an electronic point stimulator, or vacuum cups. I will use compression, stretching, massage and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) to get results.
Deep & Controlled Pressure
Therapeutic work often needs to be deep and sustained to get results, and it should also be pain free. I combine many modalities like Thai Massage, Lomi Lomi, Myofascial Release, and PNF to get lasting results.
Analysis & Assessment
Careful observation of the body can help a therapist find clues to long term dysfunction. My intake form is thorough so I can understand your history and life patterns in order to help you. We will have extensive discussions before and after sessions to increase our mutual knowledge. I love to teach clients so their understanding increases.
Self-Care Homework
Expect assignments for self-care. My clients who are most successful in reducing their pain and gaining back ranges of motion are those that choose to follow my recommendations for self-care.