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With Tax Time Bearing down,
headaches are all to common for many of us.
This month we have some great information on the use of Trigger Point
release and some other new solutions for headache pain. If you know
someone that gets frequent headaches do them a favor and forward this to
them. There has been a lot of work going on at
www.ultimatewatermassage.com.
When you visit the site be sure to check out our
massage tool page.
Headache Pain Relief Trigger Point and Simple but effective solutions There are three muscle groups that typically refer pain to your head and eyes causing a headache. The Trapezius, posterior neck muscles, and the Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) a long name for a group of muscles running from your ear down the side of your neck to your collar bone. Trapezoid muscle group - typical referrer locations Jaw, eye socket, temple and back of neckThe Trapezius is a major source of headache pain, typically the type of pain experienced as a “tension headache.” It can also be a cause of dizziness, jaw, and toothache pain. Tightness felt in the neck and back of the skull often comes from Trigger Points in the Trapezius.
If neck massage does not relieve the sensation of tightness in the neck, Trigger Points in the Trapezius are the most likely culprit. Computer users and others who use their arms for extended periods of time will recognize the burning pain between the shoulder blades. Referred pain from the Trapezius can be found in such a wide variety of locations, that it commonly leads to misdiagnosis, including shoulder bursitis, headaches, disc compression, or a “pinched nerve.” Using Trigger Point Massage may help alleviate your symptoms Posterior Neck muscle Trigger Points
Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) Muscle Location and Trigger PointsAlthough the SCM muscles are located toward the front of the neck, this
is rarely where the pain is felt.  Trigger Points in the SCM mainly refer pain into the head, the jaw, and the sternum. SCM Referred Pain Patterns Headaches in the front of the head, as well as accompanying facial pain, are usually from the SCM. This muscle can also refer pain to the sinuses, the teeth, and the tongue. SCM Trigger Points can affect the inner ear, causing balance problems such as dizziness, fainting, staggering, or even falling. There can also be hearing loss and ear pain. The Problem with Trigger Point Release and Acupressure TherapyOne treatment or 6 treatments, is not what it takes in most cases 2, 3 or more treatments a day over a week or more is often required to release and heal the muscle group. The frequency and duration of the treatment required varies not only on the severity of the constriction but also on the root cause. You can read here for more on the causes of Trigger point constrictions. If even once a week is stretching your schedule what to do? Home Treatment is the answer. Trigger Point release is closely related to Acupressure and Shiatsu Massage,If you would like to learn more about curing headaches with Shiatsu Massage we have a new DVD VHS that goes into great detail on how give someone else or your self a headache ending Shiatsu massage. Instant Headache Relief with Siatsu |
We recommend going to a
professional for at least an initial visit, to help you identify trigger
points and discuss appropriate home treatment schedule, followup visit to
expand the areas of treatment if needed and get a independent view of your
progress is also a good idea.
If you have a willing partner, they can just use their thumbs. If you hope to have a frequent schedule of treatment, a tool is a great idea. Applying the necessary pressure frequently and for the necessary duration often results in sore joints and at times damage to the hand. The good news is that good tools are not expensive. They range from $5 to $60 dollars.
We recommend the Knobber line of massage tools for this type of work at about $10.00. However there may be time when a helpful partner is not available. Then What to Do? We carry a number of tools suitable of applying Acupressure and Trigger
Point Therapy to your self. Our newest addition, to the this type of
product is the Pointer Tool. This unique tool allows you to use foot
pressure to apply trigger point pressure just about anywhere. With
multiple pressure heads, this tool is very versatile, By using your foot
rather than your arms you apply the pressure with a fully relaxed back
unlike tools that require the use of your arms and hands to apply the
pressure.
Stretching ExercisesTrapezoid Stretch Place right arm behind back, and grasp wrist with left hand. Bend neck sideways to the left while pulling on right arm. Hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat for other side. Repeat cycle three times, at least three times daily. Posterior Neck Stretch Place hand on back of head. Gently push chin to chest, until a stretch is felt. Hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat three times, at least three times daily. SCM Stretch Sit on chair. Grasp seat of chair with right hand. Place left hand on
head and gently pull head toward the left shoulder. Maintain pressure and
turn head to the right, until a stretch is felt. Hold for 10-15 seconds.
Repeat for other side. Repeat cycle three times, at least three times
daily. Aromatherapy Headache RecipesTo not leave our aromatherapy fans out in the cold we have a coupe of blends recommended for headache relief.Antispasmodic Blend |
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The
Pointer