Trigger point treatment by Simeon Niel-Asher

Pain-free through (self-)treatment of trigger points

Most muscular complaints and muscle pain are caused or influenced by untreated trigger points. A trigger point is a localized sensitive spot in the muscles or fascia. If these trigger points are understood and treated correctly, rapid and lasting pain relief can be achieved. In this book, author and osteopath Simeon Niel-Asher explains in detail what exactly trigger points are, how they arise and how they can be treated. After a detailed theoretical section, the second part of the book contains concrete information on the diagnosis and possible causes of certain trigger points and their treatment. In each case, the manual therapy that can be used by the physiotherapist or osteopath is explained, as well as self-help exercises.

• Introduction to anatomy: skeletal muscles and muscle biomechanics for a better understanding of the cause and effect of trigger points
• Overview of therapy protocols and treatment methods – decision-making aids as to whether physiotherapeutic trigger point treatment is appropriate or whether self-help is sufficient
• Six individual chapters on the individual body areas: trigger points on the neck, head and face; trigger points on the back (divided into torso and spine as well as shoulder and upper arms); trigger points on the hand and forearm; trigger points on the hip and thigh; trigger points on the foot and leg
• Glossary with anatomical location and direction designation

One of the first trigger point patients was John F. Kennedy!

The treatment methods for trigger points go back to the research and work of the American doctor Dr. Janet Travell. She developed myofascial trigger point therapy in the 1950s and subsequently became the personal physician of President John F. Kennedy, whose chronic pain she treated using trigger point therapy.