Cervical Spine Trigger Points
Cervical Spine Trigger Points
Lets start with the Definition of a Trigger Point. A Trigger Point is a Contractile knot in Skeletal muscle that is cause by a Muscle being over Shortened, over Lengthened or over Loaded. It is characterized by a the presence of a Taught Band, Tender or Painful Nodules, a Positive stretch sign and a Referred Pain Pattern.
The most common area I treat trigger points in is the Cervical Spine. Today I am going to Discuss trigger points in the Upper Trapezius and Levator Scapulae muscles.
Upper Trapezius:
The trapezius muscle is a postural and active movement muscle, used to tilt and turn the head and neck, shrug, steady the shoulders, and twist the arms. The trapezius elevates, depresses, rotates, and retracts the scapula, or shoulder blade.
Upper Trapezius Referred Pain Pattern:
It refers pain to the side of the neck and up into the temple region of the head. Frequently people have trigger points in their Upper traps and it mimics a head aches.
At CAP PT:
At CAP PT after assessing ROM and tissue tension, I would perform trigger point release using positive progressive pressure and strain counter strain techniques.
In addition we would perform techniques like Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Cupping, Vibration/percussion therapy can be applied to reduce tissue tension.
What To Do At Home:
Trigger Point Release using a Lacrosse Ball and Active Range of Motion. Place the lacrosse ball under your Upper Trapezius. Lean your body weight into the ball and perform shoulder active movement in all planes. Perform for 2 minutes on both sides.
This can also be performed on the floor or using a wall.
Levator Scapulae:
The levator scapulae is a skeletal muscle situated at the back and side of the neck. As the Latin name suggests, its main function is to lift the scapula.
Levator Scapulae Referred Pain Patterns:
It Refers to the Angle of the neck, along the vertebral boarder of the Scapula, posterior shoulder
At CAP PT:
At CAP PT we perform various manual therapy techniques to get you moving and out of pain. In this video I demonstrate a Pin and Stretch Technique to reduce tension and improve ROM
What To Do At Home:
In this video i demonstrate a Trigger Point release using a Lacrosse ball to be performed at home.