Self Trigger Point Therapy for the Trapezius Muscle

[Tw4tz0r]

what in the FUCK is that contraption?

[dazzammm]

can this sort of pain cause chronic fatigue? Ive been in IT 20 years and have chronic Trap pain when at the computer. within a hour i fell ill and fatigued

[dazzammm]

OMG. i have pain at all the yellow spots. Are you also suggesting that it causes eye pain

[GoddessYoga]

If you're even somewhat fit, you can use two golf balls on the floor, lay on them, support yourself a bit, don't completely lay all your weight on them and roll them down from the top trigger points to the bottom. AAAAHHHHH.......

[TheSpiralDownward]

Is there an alternative to the cane?

[dsdarkknight]

@TheSpiralDownward ive used a lacrosse or tennis ball against a wall...

[TheSpiralDownward]

@dsdarkknight Ah, okay. Thanks.

[dvzqz87]

thumbs up if you thought this video was of a vagina

[bambarby]

clicked in just to see wth the thumbnail is

[tonywebman]

I've ordered one and will post once I get it. I also have a similar item called an "AccuReach Plus" that vibrates. This item looks interesting because you use your foot instead of your arms for pressure. Makes sense to relax the arms while trying to work out the trigger points. I'll let you know it if sucks.

[Gonzoidz]

I've had a near constant tension headache for nearly 20 years, its always there in my scalp and neck, makes me dizzy at times.

[abagab114]

Now I know why and where I have the sharp pain when I turn my neck.

[fabriziocolonna73]

where do you buy that thing??

[HobieKatz]

@fabriziocolonna73 you can find them on Amazon and Ebay,a nd a few others, search for Pressure Pointer and you should have no trouble finding one.

[Jespax]

I bought an old walking cane at a flea market for $1, and with that I can very effectively apply pressure to the trigger points in my trapezius region. Because of the long stick, I can do the massage without using much muscle strength. I do the left side with my right arm and vice versa. Thereby I can keep the targeted area fairly relaxed. I've been massaging the points for a few days now, and they are unbelievably sore! Hope the therapy will ease my chronic neck pain and headache.

[TheYaom]

My trapezius hurts a lot, I saw this video and bought me a theracane and has helped me.... I used my computer A LOT

over 10 years working on computers, sometimes over 13 hours a day and even weekends!!!

I wonder if this is the cause, I also was involved in a car crash like 14 years ago, wonder if this has to do anything with it.

my pain is only in the trapezius, lower and uper parts.... and also the neck, I dont have pain anywhere else, so I dont think is fibromyalgia.

[HobieKatz]

Theracane is a good tool, the Foot Powered device you see here was developed after trying the hand powered design like the theracane or backnobber. When using the hand powered ones it feels good for a few minutes, then you realize that you are using the muscles you are trying to treat to apply the pressure, a self defeating principle, so.... along came the Pressure Pointer to allow the user to apply pressure for long periods of time with no fatigue.

[TheYaom]

@HobieKatz what is the cause of trigger points in the trapezius and shoulders and neck?

excesive computer use?

I found with the theracane trigger points on my neck, shoulders etc...

[HobieKatz]

Most Trigger Points are caused by over use of a muscle group. The amount of strain on the muscle can be small but over time even a small amount of strain will cause the muscle to have localized cramping or a Trigger Point.. Using a computer for long periods of time is a very common cause of TPs in the upper back, neck and shoulders. Applying pressure and mobilizing the muscle (stretching) is the best way to relieve the pain caused by TPs.

[DrTouchOnline]

As a Pain Management Doctor I like that Video. Very good explanation of Trigger Points located on Neck-Schoulder Area. Thank you for posting.

[itsok4me]

HobieKatz My trazezius swells up real big. it looks like a large lump and very soft swollen. It happens when I shower with hot water, applying a heating pad orr when I do exercise. Then my head hurts a lot. Is this a bad sign?

[HobieKatz]

I'm not sure what that is but it sounds like you need to have a doctor look at that.

[DarqueEyesStudios]

@itsok4me Have you tried ice?

[alanckaye]

would you advocate use of a trigger point book for working on yourself or spouse?

[HobieKatz]

Yes! If you are new to trigger points - What they are and how to find/treat them the books are great for learning various techniques to relieve the pain.

I think the basics of any of pain relief method for trigger points are: Manual manipulation to relax the area and stretching to mechanically restore the muscles function. Practicing and experimentation will augment the information that you find in the books.

[amy1827]

Good info vid. I'm having problems finding relief for lumbar and sciatica pain -- it is difficult to move around so I'm interested in this device. It is possible this could help me with these problem areas, if so what technique? Thanks!

[HobieKatz]

The Pressure Pointer can be used for lower back and sciatica but the foot powered feature is most effective when used in the mid to upper back region. You can use the Pressure Pointer like other hand held devices for lower back and sciatica pain by using a chair that has a back and leaning into it for leverage. There is a description on the Pressure Pointer web site, on the Users Guide page.

[thoushallreason]

this would be hard to do trigger point release. It would be hard to relax tthe muscle enough to get those knots to release from the muscle. Just get a tripper point therapy massage and if its a good therapist they should be able to find them well. Im a male massage therapist and i can find those things quick. but it might take 2 to 3 sessions to get rid of them. just some warming up, relaxing, and then static pressure for 8 to 15 seconds should do the trick.

[HobieKatz]

Hi Thoushall,

The Pressure Pointer is for people that want to give themselves a trigger point massage. For the cost of one massage a person can do it to themselves for free, for the rest of their life!

You indicated it would be hard to relax the muscle enough to get the knots - The Pressure Pointer is actually more effective than another person because you can completely relax the target muscle OR stretch it if you want to, the Pressure Pointer is foot powered, so fingers/hands don't get tired.

[thoushallreason]

were can i buy this pressure pointer, im interested to see how well it can do to release knots. im a bit bias but im willing to try new things. especially since trigger point therapy is my specialty. hopefully this things dont get too famous, or else my working life is over :), looks like now i might have to specialize in Esalen lol

[HobieKatz]

You can get a Pressure Pointer from several online outlets, just google "pressure pointer". They are also available in some Relax The Back stores and Better Back stores.

[ShiatsuMD]

Nice illustration of troubled spots. Yes, tennis balls are fantastic and inexpensive. The ShiatsuBag takes the concept to the highest level by using the best quality high density lightweight balls, and allowing you to configure the quantity, size, and hardness in a bag you then lay on or sit on. you can remain staionary for acupressure, and trigger point release or you can enjoy a rolling massage for myofascial release.

[HobieKatz]

Your Shiatsu bag looks neat, but one the reasons the Pressure Pointer was developed was to eliminate the need to lie on the floor, like with the tennis balls. Some people are not able to sprightly roll around on the floor, their back hurts. The Pressure Pointer comes with different heads for different levels of penetration, and you can sit on the couch and use the 'PP' for extended periods of time. The weight of your leg can apply several pounds of force for as long as you want to sit there.

[baystategal]

Good stretching demonstrations - - I will use. Instead of buying an expensive contraption, tape together two tennis balls and place between your back and a wall. Depending on the orientation of the balls, vertical/horizontal, press and move side to side or up and down a bit. I was told this by a physical therapist who was treating me, and it was helpful and cost only five bucks.

[HobieKatz]

Hi baystategal, the tennis balls work ok for some people, but for some people tennis balls are awkward to use, especially for extended periods of time. Also, the PP comes with large and small heads so you can get much better penetration with the a Pressure Pointer than with tennis balls, if that's something that you like.

[TMundo]

I'm liking that contraption, what does it cost?

[HobieKatz]

Pressure Pointers are $50-$60 depending on where you buy them online.

[gekiryudojo]

that was an interesting contraption you usedfor the Trigger Point!

[glorys9]

my trapezius muscles are swollen from working as a clerical computer operator. I have been to 2 massage therapists, who tell me that the swelling is too bad. Do you have any kind of help for me. I use yoga, and heat so far..with very short relief progress. what can end the swelling?

Glorys9

[HobieKatz]

Hi glorys9, I'm not sure about reducing swelling specifically, but if it feels good when a massage therapist puts pressure there then the Pressure Pointer allows you to apply the same pressure while on your own couch for as long as you like. Hopefully that answers your question.

[glorys9]

Thanks...where does one get a pressure pointer? is it a device or a CD/DVD?

Thanks,

Glorys9

[HobieKatz]

Hi Glorys9,

The Pressure Pointer is a device.

[screwbushcomegetme]

it has taken 2 months for me to get better and still hurts. a chiropractor he helped by cracking my neck massaging my neck/trapezius and applying pressure to specific pressure points after i was put on ice some days and heat others. I was given neck stretches and isometric exercises to help loosen neck muscles and strenthen them. go buy some ice/heat packes. alternate heat and ice diff days or how you like.yoga is very good for it.

[glorys9]

Thanks so much, so far I was only using heat...and the internet to find more exercises for my trapezius. 

Thanks so much,

Glorys9

[MassageAlumni]

Great instructional!