Myofascial Trigger Point Release for the Upper Extremity

Chapter 1: Introduction

• Brief history and some definitions
• Anatomy of a skeletal muscle
• Types of muscle contraction
• Laws affecting muscle tissues

Chapter 2: Trigger Points             

• Mechanism of injury
• Myofascial Trigger points
• Clinical Symptoms
• Physical Findings
• Classification of Myofascial Trigger Points

Chapter 3: Diagnosis of Myofascial Trigger Point Syndrome          

• History
• Diagnostic Criteria
• STAR palpation

Chapter 4: Myofascial Release   

• Trigger Point Acupuncture
• Vapocoolant spray
• Modalities for Myofascial Trigger Point Release
• Myofascial Stretching
• Precautions and Contraindications

Chapter 5: Specific muscles        

• Deltoid
• Biceps Brachii
• Triceps
• Brachioradialis
• Supinator
• Pronator Teres
• Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
• Flexor Carpi Radialis
• Extensor Carpi Radialis
• Extensor Carpi Ulnaris
• Extensor Digitorum
• Extensor Indicis Proprius
• Abductor Pollicis Brevis
• Flexor Pollicis Brevis
• Adductor Pollicis
• Levator Scapulae
• Upper trapezius

Chapter 6: Other Techniques     

• Muscle Energy Technique
• Postisometric Relaxation
• Postfacilitation stretch method
• Reciprocal Inhibition
• Effect of Breathing
• Positional Release Technique
• Strain-Counterstrain Technique
• Application guidelines
• Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique
• Application guidelines
• Instrument Assisted Myofascial Release
• Effects of manual loading on soft tissue
• Benefits of Cross fiber massage
• Graston Technique
• Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization (ASTYM)

Chapter 7: Review of Current Research 

• 8-week calf myofascial treatment programs
• Home Program of Ischemic Pressure and Sustained Stretch for Myofascial Trigger Points
• Ease of technique reproducibility
• Myofascial pain and fibromyalgia: thorough history necessary
• Effect of myofascial release on an adult with idiopathic scoliosis
• Changes in active mouth opening following a single treatment of latent myofascial trigger points in the masseter muscle involving post-isometric relaxation or strain-counterstrain
• Sympathetic facilitation of hyperalgesia evoked from myofascial tender and trigger points in patients with unilateral shoulder pain
• Proximal hamstring rupture, restoration of function without surgical intervention
• Trigger points in tension-type headache
• Active fascial contractility: Fascia can influence musculoskeletal dynamics

Chapter 8: Conclusion   

• References

Chapter 9: Appendix     

• Exam
• Afterword