Dr. Rick's Monthly Question

February 2002

Question:

What is a Trigger Point?

Answer:

A trigger point is a hyperirritable spot located within a taut band of skeletal muscle or its fascia that hurts when pressed and has distinctive patterns of referred pain. Try locating these points on yourself press the muscles of the shoulder girdle until you find them. Almost everybody will have a few. In other words, they are common. However, they are not normal or healthy. President John Kennedy's physician, Janet Travell, MD, wrote an entire book on the trigger points that occur throughout the muscles of the body. They can be treated with chiropractic adjustment, deep massage, stretches, and postural re-alignment.
For more information, read this month's article.

Archived list of all questions

Dr. Rick Allen is a chiropractor, massage therapist and dance student in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Rick welcomes your questions and suggestions for future articles. However, he cannot make specific diagnoses or treatment recommendations unless you visit him in person. He can be reached by phone: 503-257-1324, mail: 221 NE 78th Avenue, Portland, OR 97213, e-mail or World Wide Web: www.CascadeWellnessClinic.com

Home | Services | Bio | Benefits | Interests
Info | Articles | Tips | Classes | Links | Search | E-mail | Top

©1997-2008 Dr. Rick Allen
Cascade Wellness Center