• Trigger Point Symptoms

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Finding an experienced Trigger Point Therapist
 
 


 "Trigger Point Therapy involves so much more than simply knowing where trigger points are located."
 

"I take no issue with anyone, who while learning this therapy, incorporates it into their practice
... as long as the client/patient is made aware of the practitioner's knowledge limitations."

To be proficient at Trigger Point Therapy, one must study and practice extensively. Simply because someone is a registered or licensed massage therapist, bodyworker, or doctor; does not necessarily make them a knowledgeable Trigger Point practitioner! Although there are some who are very good, and understand trigger points; many have only a minimal amount of Trigger Point training and practice.

Ask your prospective Trigger Point Therapist about the extent of their training in Trigger Point Therapy!

I receive emails from around the world, and the most frequent inquiry I receive in my email - “where can I find a good Trigger Point Therapist near me?”

This is a tough question to answer, since I do not keep a directory of non-WHM™ practitioners.

I do empathize with those of you searching for someone who truly understands Trigger Point Therapy... there are so very few knowledgeable ones, anywhere.

However, I've heard countless stories of Trigger Point "dabblers" who claim they "know Trigger Point", but they do not offer anything that comes close to effective Trigger Point Therapy. Many are what I refer to as "push-button-trigger-pointers"; implying that you simply push on the trigger point, and believe that's all there is to it. Sorry, it's not quite that simple. These "dabblers" know little, if anything, about taking detailed client history, what can cause trigger points to form, contraindications, referral patterns, exercise and stretching as it relates to trigger points, or treatment/post-treatment protocols. Some have never seen the inside of a Travell and Simons textbook (or even know who they are).
Dabblers should, for the client's benefit, advise as to their limitations with this therapy. It's the right thing to do.



"If your Trigger Point therapist/bodyworker only treats the trigger points, but does not offer you detailed explainations regarding Trigger Point protocol, (regarding exercise, stretching, heat vs. ice, etc.) then they are NOT employing comprehensive treatment methods. There is no doubt that if TrP protocol is not followed, then the involved muscle will not heal, and symptoms will persist." 

Injection or Dry-Needling of TrPs can be very effective in removing TrPs - but only if the practitioner is very skilled!
I've heard first-hand, so-called experts, who inject or dry-needle trigger points, but fail to offer the patient/client the necessary (and essential) time it takes to gather enough information (pre-treatment) to offer comprehensive and effective treatments. Some, I've been told, “simply jab a needle into the muscle tissue” without so much as palpating for the causal trigger point(s)... and they call this “injection or needling trigger points.” At the very least, this is misleading, and often offers no remedial benefit to the patient/client. 

The comments concerning dabblers are sometimes disturbing. They (the dabblers) marginalize the many years of work by Drs. Travell and Simons (et al.), and also, all the Trigger Point bodyworkers/therapists who have spent countless hours (you know who you are) studying and developing their skills so they may offer truly effective, remedial therapy.

There ARE some very good practitioners out there... just too many dabblers who claim to be competent!
You, as a prospective Trigger Point client, may have to sort through the pile to find the treasures.

Searching for a knowledgeable Trigger Point Therapist/Bodyworker :

• You should first call or email the prospective Trigger Point Therapist and let them know you are seeking a practitioner who employs Trigger Point methods (including TrP protocol) as their PRIMARY method for treating their clients/patients who have chronic soft-tissue pain.
• If they do not employ Trigger Point therapy as their PRIMARY method for treating their clients/patients... you should call another.
• If they DO employ Trigger Point therapy as their PRIMARY method for treating their clients/patients... ask them how much study they have undertaken, and what books have they studied. They should be well versed with Travell & Simons Trigger Point Manuals, and in my opinion, have at least 1000 hours of study related to trigger points.
• Ask if they are satisfied with the results they obtain when they employ Trigger Point Therapy. If they are employing comprehensive Trigger Point methods, they will be very satisfied with the results they are achieving!