A simple, go-to guide to treating chronic pain with trigger point therapy for physical therapists, bodyworkers, and patients From the bestselling author of The Concise Book of Trigger Points This pocket-sized guide covers practical information about the trigger points-the painful knots that can form in tissues like muscles and fascia-that are central to addressing acute and chronic pain with massage, bodywork, and physical therapy. Full-color illustrations and charts help practitioners, students, and patients identify trigger points and address referred pain patterns with ease. The first chapter introduces relevant information on fascia and myofascial meridians and provides an overview of trigger point symptoms, classification, and formation. Subsequent chapters are organized by muscle group and feature concise-yet comprehensive-sections on each of the main skeletal muscles and their trigger points. Common conditions, such as headaches and back pain, are explored for all of the muscle groups, including the muscles of the: * Face, head, and neck * Trunk and spine * Shoulder and arm * Forearm and hand * Hip and thigh * Leg and foot Written in clear, accessible language, this essential guide offers a wealth of knowledge to the lay reader, the student, or the practitioner.

Since publication almost ten years ago, The Concise Book of Trigger Points has been translated into over 20 languages and become a best seller worldwide. The content of this new edition has been completely updated and revamped, sharing current research, evidence, and advanced techniques for manual therapy practitioners, as well as simple self-help protocols that the layperson can do at home. Containing full-colour illustrations, it is a compact reference guide, and explains how to treat chronic pain through trigger points - tender, painful nodules that form in muscle fibres and connective tissues. So much pain can be relieved quickly and efficiently with simple trigger point therapy.The book is designed in an easy reference format to offer useful information about the trigger points relating to the main skeletal muscles, which are central to massage, bodywork, and physical therapy. The first four chapters provide a sound background to the physiology of trigger points, and the general methods of treatment. The following six chapters are organized by muscle group, with the information about each muscle presented in a uniform style throughout. Each two-page spread gives detailed anatomical information, referred pain patterns, plus key trigger point information, practitioner protocols, and self-help information and drawings.

Most muscular aches and pains are caused or affected by untreated "trigger points," localized tender spots in muscles. Understanding and treating these points can lead to rapid and lasting pain relief. Trigger point therapy is a powerful tool in the management of both acute and chronic pain, including such common problems as headaches, TMJ syndrome, and back pain. "The Concise Book of Trigger Points "has set the gold standard for providing a clear understanding of the treatment of trigger points. Designed for the student and practitioner of massage/bodywork, physical therapy, physiotherapy, osteopathy, sports therapy, and any other health-related field, it functions both as an entry-level textbook and an authoritative reference for even the most experienced therapist.
This updated third edition includes new self-help and practitioner treatment guidelines for each muscle discussed, covering cutting-edge trigger point theory and practice. The opening chapters describe the basics of trigger points and include detailed therapeutic protocols. Chapters seven through twelve are organized by muscle groups, with detailed color illustrations of each major skeletal muscle. In addition, respected osteopath Simeon Niel-Asher discusses the physiological implications of the trigger points in each muscle--and techniques for treatment--and addresses the most common pain complaints, including headache, neck pain, shoulder pain, lower back pain, and TMJ syndrome. This is a must-have manual for students, professional hands-on therapists, and those who wish to gain a greater knowledge of trigger point therapy.