The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief / Edition 2

by David G. Simons, Amber Davies

Overview

This is the only self-help book designed to help the layperson to treat themselves for painful trigger points with massage. Trigger point therapy is one of the most intriguing and fastest-growing bodywork styles in the world. Medical doctors, chiropractors, and alternative health practitioners are all beginning to use this technique to relieve the pain of individuals suffering from undiagnosable soft tissue pain-a condition that studies have shown to be the cause of nearly 25 percent of all doctor visits. The technique involves applying a gentle, sweeping stroke to trigger points, places in muscle or connective tissue where a lack of oxygen causes swelling. These points are easily located by general readers and create pain throughout the body in predictable patterns characteristic to each muscle, producing discomfort ranging from mild to severe. The stimulation of the point causes an increase in the oxygen level in the area and often produces instant relief.

The first edition of The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook has made a huge impact in the use of this dynamic technique. This is the first major revision of the overnight classic, a complete update that includes new information specifically for massage professionals as well as a detailed discussion of progressive muscle relaxation techniques that can reinforce the therapeutic power of trigger point work.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781572243750
Publisher:	New Harbinger Publications
Publication date:	07/01/2004
Series:	New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook Series
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Now deceased, Clair Davies, NCTMB (Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork), specialized in trigger point massage for the treatment of pain. Mr. Davies's interest in massage began when he successfully self-treated a frozen shoulder with trigger point massage. Inspired by the experience, he began an intensive private study of trigger points and referred pain. He subsequently retired from a thriving piano service business to attend the Utah College of Massage Therapy where he trained as a professional massage therapist. From his home base in Lexington, Kentucky, Mr. Davies traveled extensively with his daughter Amber, leading continuing education workshops for professionals on trigger point massage. Clair Davies died peacefully at home in 2006 of colon cancer.

Now deceased, foreword writer David G. Simons, MD, coauthored of Travell & Simons Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual

Editorial Reviews

I have long been a believer in and practitioner of trigger point therapy. I certainly recommend this book to the general public and health care practitioners. It is truly an excellent resource and provides the tools that induce self-healing and empowerment.”
—Bernie S. Siegel, MD, author of Love, Medicine, and Miracles and Prescriptions for Living and former student of Janet Travell, MD, author of Travell and Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual

“This is a useful book for anyone in chronic pain. There are few resources like this one, which empowers the reader to understand the problem and offers the tools to manage it. The approach to managing pain described in this book will help many take control of a significant part of their health and will become a valuable lifelong reference.”
—Scott M. Fishman, MD, chief of the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at the University of California, Davis and author of The War on Pain

“As a medical doctor who has been challenged by patients experiencing chronic pain, including those suffering from long-standing cases of fibromyalgia, I appreciate a safe solution for their problem. I believe this book, revealing that trigger point therapy may safely relieve chronic pain, should be in the hands of every doctor.”
—Terry Shepherd Friedmann, MD, author of Freedom Through Health

“…trigger point massage therapy may be the most effective treatment known for a wide variety of pain problems, including fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome.”
—C. Norman Shealy, MD, Ph.D., founding president of the American Holistic Medical Association and author of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies

“This must-have book gives practical methods for dealing with chronic pain in a format that is easy to use, and it works! I’m a believer!”
—Jo Ann Gillaspy, MS, RN, editor of The Nephrology Resource Directory

“Properly used, the information in Davies’s book should enable many people with myofascial trigger point disorders to participate effectively in treating their conditions. The book should be especially useful to those who do not have ready access to a practitioner familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of these common muscular problems.”
—Michael D. Reynolds, MD, rheumatologist

“The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook is a welcome and timely addition to the worlds of personal wellness, pain relief, and self-care. The author creates a highly effective form of pain therapy that anyone can learn. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of self-applied therapeutic bodywork.”
—Robert K. King, founder and president of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy

“I have personally benefited from the therapeutic effects of trigger point massage and I believe it deserves official recognition in the medical world. I hope physicians will study these self-treatment techniques and recommend them to their patients.”
—Rose Marie Hackett, DO, osteopathic physician and radiologist

“As a chiropractor for twelve years and an instructor of trigger point therapy at the Utah College of Massage Therapy for ten years, I found Davies’ book very accurate and complete. His graphics and illustrations make it easy to show patients and clients ways to improve quality of life. I believe the book will be a valuable asset to all health care practitioners who use trigger point therapy.”
—David B. Thomson, DC, instructor at the Utah College of Massage Therapy

“This is…a well-organized, easy-to-use handbook that will indeed help sufferers of myofascial pain learn to treat themselves with effective self-massage techniques. The detail and clarity of the book’s format will also make it invaluable to pain physicians who want to be able to teach their patients useful, simple strategies to manage soft tissue pain problems.”
—Joseph F. Audette, MD, instructor at Harvard Medical School and director of Outpatient Pain Services at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Medford, MA

From the Publisher