Main description:

Pain and limited function of the locomotor system are the most common reasons for visiting a doctor or therapist. Muscles play a key part in these presentations as a result of their function and anatomy with current research suggesting that muscle imbalance, muscle tension and painful functional disorders are at the forefront when it comes to acute or chronic symptoms. The clinical correlate with all such symptoms is the myofascial trigger point.

Myofascial Trigger Points: Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment examines all aspects of muscle physiology and the pathogenesis of myofascial pain. The book provides valuable advice on diagnosis and differential diagnosis and contains detailed, practice-oriented information and numerous illustrations of the various therapeutic procedures for the treatment of myofascial trigger points

Prepared by experts from throughout the world, Myofascial Trigger Points: Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment will be ideal for all manual therapists, physiotherapists, osteopathic physicians, osteopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists and naturopaths.

"I'm happy to say that this book is excellent and addresses all my concerns!" Reviewed by InTouch (Physio First's journal) , Jan 2015

Offers practical and clinically relevant information to all practitioners and therapists working in the field
Edited by an international expert in pain management and trigger point therapy
Abundant use of pull-out boxes, line artwork, photographs and tables facilitates ease of understanding
Carefully prepared by a worldwide team of clinically active and research oriented contributors to provide helpful and clinically relevant information
Presents the latest research findings for many aspects of trigger point therapy
Provides a holistic view of patient care including the importance of patient communication and psychological aspects of pain control
Provides a handy reference for rapid and effective diagnosis and treatment of trigger points
Highlights the 65 most important muscles in a comprehensive practical style which includes anatomy, symptoms, pain patterns, physical examination and strategies for effective treatment
Offers an ideal resource for training courses in trigger point injection, osteopathy, manual therapy and acupuncture
Suitable for osteopathic physicians, osteopaths, chiropractors, manual therapists, acupuncturists and massage therapists as well as general physicians working in primary care, physical medicine, rehabilitation, pain management and internal medicine

Contents:

Section 1 The background

1 Guide to the book

2 Terminology

3 Epidemiology

4 Etiology of myofascial pain syndrome

5 The anatomy and physiology of the muscles

6 Pathophysiology

7 The trigger point as expression of a functional disorder of the locomotor system

8 Trigger points and myofascial pain - acupuncture points and meridian system

9 Myofascial trigger points and fascia

10 Fibromyalgia syndrome

11 Myofascial trigger points and somatoform pain

12 Integrated holistic consideration of the muscles

13 Diagnosis of myofascial pain

14 Differential diagnosis

Section 2 Treatment of myofascial pain

15 Principles of treatment

16 Peculiarities of doctor-patient relationship with chronic pain

17 Selection of suitable treatments

18 Manual therapies and physiotherapeutic procedures

19 Treatment concept - myofascial trigger point therapy

20 Physical procedures

21 Trigger point infiltration

22 Acupuncture and related procedures

23 Complementary and alternative therapy methods and naturopathic treatments

24 Relaxation techniques - body and mind

25 Systemic pharmacotherapy

Section 3 Muscles and trigger points

26 Head

27 Throat, neck and shoulder region

28 Shoulder and upper arm

29 Elbow, forearm and hand

30 Thoracic spine and thorax

31 Abdomen

32 Lumbar spine, pelvis and hip region (pelvic girdle)

33 Hip, thigh and knee

34 Lower leg and foot