Trigger point therapy

Trigger point therapy is an area of high-nerve facilitation that is hyperirritable and painful when compressed, which may result in muscle dysfunction and/ or chronic condition.

There are trigger points all over the body. Every muscle has trigger points, whether inactive, active or latent, and most muscles have more than two trigger points. The location of a trigger point varies depending on an individual's  routine, exercise habits, or profession. I work on a lot of clients who sit at a desk and often have their workstation set up in a way that when they work a full shift using the same dominant hand answering phone calls or working on the computer they can develop a trigger point.  It is an indication of physiological dysfunction and is the first warning sign that things are not well in the neuromusculoskeletal system. Similar to the ''check engine'' light in a car, a trigger point is a warning of dysfunction, and if left unchecked could represent very serious consequences. 

The following is a list of reasons a trigger point might activate:

1. Contracture in the muscle

2.Increased muscle tonus

3.Constriction and hypersensitivity in the skin in local or referred area

4.Increased pressure in the joints associated with the muscle

5. Decreased activity in visceral organs associated throughdepressed autonomic nerve activity (especially with spinal subluxations)

6. Constriction in local circulation resulting from hypertonus of and constrction in the muscle

7.Vasoconstriction in referred area from effects in the autonomic nervous system

8.Development of secondary and associated trigger points as a result of compensation from the 

effects of the primary trigger point

9.Muscle overuse

10. Poor posture

11. Poor ergonomics

12.Overstretch

13. Lack of stretching

14. Incorrect technique when exercising

Guy Lacoursiere RMT, practices at Family First Chiropractic located at 142 Erickson drive in Red Deer. Call us today to make an appointment (403)347-3261 or visit us at www.family1stchiro.ca.

Fascia Release

Fascia Release doesn’t have to be painful, it is a nice technique that goes quite deep. There is a Piezo-electric effect. MFR (myofascial release) applied properly will maximize the piezo-electric effect breaking down unwanted micro-adhesions, as well as free up and decompress joints.

What exactly is Deep Fascia? There are layers of fascia that wraps around and makes up muscle in its continuous head to toe, front to back, side to side. The superficial fascia is a layer of adipose tissue found beneath the skin and the deep fascia. This layer has its own integrity and also contributes to the structure of a body. The Deep Fascia is the network or web that surrounds the muscle or wrap. Lastly Connective tissue is the extracellular matrix that envelopes and connects our being from head to toe. It is the blood, none, perineural, perivascular wrappings, cells and microtubules that make up our bodies without it we would be a heap of partial bones on the floor. With the applied pressure by a therapist it changes the state of texture by lengthening and will positively affect better movement in the joints without the use of oil and direct contact to the client with slow techniques. Myofascial release is more likely to calm SNS (Sympathetic Nervous System) than to stimulate the PNS (Parasympathetic Nervous System).

Massage available at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

What is Trigger Point Therapy?

Most of us will suffer from stiff, achy muscles, and numerous musculoskeletal pain conditions that are caused by ‘knots’. These ‘knots’ besides causing pain, weaken and limit the full functioning of a muscle. If left untreated, ‘knots’ can also compromise surrounding muscles, which are forced into compensatory patterns. This imbalance can create new trigger points, which can further set the stage for injury, additional pain, asymmetrical bodily appearance, as well as loss of muscle flexibility and strength.

Trigger point Therapy uses a variety of techniques to ‘deactivate’ these painful knots, using cycles of isolated pressure and release. Trigger point is generally simple to perform, by yourself, with a partner, or by working with a trained therapist. For most musculoskeletal conditions, a combination of trigger point therapy together with some simple lifestyle changes will produce quick and lasting results.

Guy Lacoursiere practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive. Call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment, or visit us online at 403-347-3261!

The Benefits of Massage

Massage is ideal for all people and body types. The benefits of massage are experienced universally, although the benefits are different for each individual. Massage can help with stress relief, varying pain relief, muscle tension, myofascial pain, as well as many other complaints. There are many varieties of massage, including Swedish, sports-directed, myofascial, trigger point, and deep tissue. Massage can also help alleviate symptoms from headaches, fibromyalgia and soft tissue strains. Massage is known to be beneficial both before and after sports competitions. Your skeletal system is also positively affected-although indirectly- by massage.  Massage helps to bring blood and nutrients to the bones and alleviate joint stiffness. Another system that is positively affected by massage is the respiratory system. Massage can help relieve congestion in the lungs and chest, and as a result of this reduced congestion, will reduce the energy expending when breathing. 

Headaches and massage

Headaches:

Ending the chronic cycle of headaches is easier than you think. A deep muscle therapy session on the upper back and neck will lengthen the muscles that cause "tension headaches." 

 Remove the knots in the upper back neck, bye bye headaches.

The treatment is 30 minutes and the results are immediate. Call the clinic and let me take care of it. Its that easy.
 
Guy Lacoursiere is located at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson drive, Red Deer 403-347-3261 call today to book an appointment.
www.family1stchiro.ca
 

 

Baby's Heart Beat

 
This blog brought to you by Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson drive, Red Deer 403-347-3261.
www.family1stchiro.ca
 

 

The circulatory (or blood) system, along with the heart, is the first part of that tiny body to be functional (around 5 weeks gestation) and as your baby's heart starts to form, you may even be able to see it beating on an early ultrasound. Typically this cannot be heard with even a Doppler until the 9-10th week of pregnancy at the earliest, sometimes not until the 12-14th weeks of pregnancy. A baby's heart beat, often called fetal heart tones (FHT), is very rapid, much faster than an adult's. In fact it starts out near 180 beats per minute (BPM) and around 12 weeks gestation settles into the normal range of 120-160 BPM for the remainder of the pregnancy