The Manual of Trigger Point and Myofascial Therapy offers the reader a comprehensive therapeutic approach for the evaluation and treatment of Myofascial pain and musculoskeletal dysfunction. This user-friendly manual will serve as a quick reference for clinically relevant items that pertain to the identification and management of trigger points.

The first section of the book covers the theory and current research regarding the Myofascial Trigger Point Syndrome. The research is the most current and up-to-date available on the pathogenesis of Myofascial dysfunction, clinical symptoms, physical findings as well as diagnostic criteria. Treatment methods and techniques are also covered in a comprehensive and step-by-step format.

The second section includes the most important muscles that tend to have a higher incidence of the Myofascial involvement. Each muscle is supplemented by two pages of text and illustrations to better aid the student or clinician in an institutional or practicing setting. The muscle page contains a plethora of information for the reader including muscle origin, insertion, location of trigger points, referenced pain patterns, myofascial stretching exercises, positive stretch signs, and biomechanics of injury. Extensive full-color illustrations and pictures include treatment techniques, therapeutic interventions and patient home exercise programs.

This innovative and concise new clinical reference guide is perfect for the student learning about the diagnosis and treatment of the Myofascial Trigger Point Syndrome or therapist interested learning or applying this successful and effective method of treatment.

&&&8220Clinicians and students can easily use this book to enhance their understanding of trigger point therapy theory and technique. I highly recommend this book.&&&8221

&&&8212 Mary Delaney, PT, Journal of the Section on Women&&&8217s Health

&&&8220The manual would be useful for any practicing physical therapy clinician or student who has an interest in evaluating and treating myofascial trigger points.&&&8221

Table of Contents:

Part A. Theory Chapter 1. Myofascial Trigger Points: A Historical Perspective Chapter 2. Acupuncture versus Trigger Point Therapy Chapter 3. Muscle-Nerve Physiology and Contraction Chapter 4. Pathogenesis of Myofascial Trigger Points Chapter 5. Clinical Symptoms and Physical Findings Chapter 6. Referred Pain Pattern Mechanisms Chapter 7. Classification of Myofascial Trigger Points Chapter 8. Biomechanics of Injury Chapter 9. Myofascial Diagnosis Chapter 10. Myofascial Treatment Chapter 11. Perpetuating Factors in Myofascial Trigger Points Chapter 12. Trigger Point Dry Needling Chapter 13. Trigger Point and Myofascial Therapy Contraindications Chapter 14. Part A Review Questions Answer Key Part B. Muscle Regions Cervical Spine Region Temporomandibular Joint Region Upper Extremity Region Abdominal Region Thoracolumbar Spine Region Lumbar Spine Region Lower Extremity Region Index