Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain: The Practice of Informed Touch

Excerpts & Samples

By Donna Finando

Publisher : Inner Traditions/Bear & Company

ABOUT Donna Finando

Donna Finando
Donna Finando, L.Ac., L.M.T., is a practitioner of acupuncture and massage, specializing in myofascial meridian therapy and myofascial release techniques for the treatment of chronic and acute pain and dysfunction. She studied extensively with Janet Travell, M.D., a pioneer in the field of More...

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Description

A clinical reference manual for the evaluation and treatment of muscle pain

• Contains detailed illustrations of pain patterns and trigger-point locations

• 15,000 copies sold in first hardcover edition

Myofascial pain syndromes are among the fastest growing problems that physicians, osteopaths, acupuncturists, and physical, occupational, and massage therapists encounter in their patients. In Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain Donna and Steven Finando have organized vast amounts of information on treating myofascial pain into an accessible "user's manual" for healthcare practitioners. They examine a wide range of pain patterns and present evaluation and palpation techniques for reducing trigger points--and thereby alleviating pain--in the most clinically significant musculature of the body.

This comprehensive yet easy-to-use reference guide to treatment of muscle pain begins with chapters on the concept of Qi and its relationship to myology, specific trigger point location and activation, and palpatory skill-building techniques. Subsequent sections provide detailed information on each muscle to teach clinicians to locate quickly and accurately individual points of pain and compensation. A visual index allows easy identification of the muscles that may be involved. Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain provides necessary and invaluable information for sufferers and any professional involved with myofascial disorders.
"Knowing how to touch the human body when it is in distress is the skill that links bodyworkers with physical--and oriental--medicine practitioners.  Nowhere is this knowledge more developed than in the seminal work on trigger-point release of Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons.  Their magnum opus now becomes eminently accessible in this clinically pragmatic manual. Informed Touch belongs in the office of every professional practicing a physical medicine of any kind."
Mark D. Seem, Ph.D., L.Ac., President, Tri-State College of Acupuncture, author of Bodymind Energetics, A New American Acupuncture, and Acupuncture Physical Medicine


"Never before have the disciplines of myofascial pain release and meridian therapy been so beautifully and practically connected. Simply put, this book is a must for all practitioners of hands-on medicine."
Roberta F. Shapiro, D.O., Albert Einstein College of Medicine


"Donna and Steven Finando have married some of the finest techniques that eastern and western physical medicine have to offer. Incredibly, they have done this in a single text, with excellent graphics, charts, and guidelines to specific soft-tissue work. This essential guide takes the place of many large volumes, especially when information is needed immediately. I highly recommend Informed Touch for not only the experienced practitioner, but for students as well."
Marilyn Freedman, P.T., certified childbirth educator

"This insightful book points out a new direction in medical therapeutics. It clearly delineates where the energetic field of the body intersects and animates the physical structure. By acting at this intersection, true healing can take place."
Steven L. Rosenblatt, M.D., Ph.D., L.Ac., founder and past president of the California Acupuncture College

". . . in addition to those professional healing touch practitioners wanting to stretch their skills or needing a good myofascial pain reference book, that I also suggest this book to those who suffer from chronic pain and those that do any sort of physical activity that could result in muscular pain and fatigue."
Tami Brady, TCM Reviews

". . . written carefully and thoughtfully, as if gently guiding the reader into an intimate understanding of what's happening in the body when a trigger point is present."
Charlotte Michael Versagi, Massage Magazine, Nov-Dec 2005

"Any who suffer from muscle pain will find her methods specific and useful, based on her acupuncture and massage background and studies with Janet Travell, MD, a pioneer in pain management."
Diane Donovan, Bookwatch, April 2006