Common Trigger Point #8 — Tennis Elbow and Wrist Pain

The trigger point lies just below the elbow at a place where most of the muscles on your forearm converge. When this area is tight, you could experience pain anywhere from the elbow to the hand.

Anyone who uses a keyboard, but particularly clerks who scan objects across a scanner, are susceptible to this injury. Fortunately, neuromuscular massage techniques can fix the problem and ease the pain.

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Common Trigger Point #7 — Shin Splints

All along the shin, but particularly in the upper third of the shin, are trigger points that can be sensitive even to the touch. Once these muscles become overused, the pain of shin splints appears.

Runners and weekend athletes are the most common to suffer from shin splints. Having a qualified massage therapist address this trigger point can ease the pain, so you can get back to the game.

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Common Trigger Point #6 — Low Back Pain

The spot between your lowest rib and your spine, where the thoracic vertebrae end and the lumbar vertebrae begin is a junction of large stabilizing muscles that can cause lower back pain.

Low back pain is one of the most common complaints about pain. The people who are most likely to be affected by low back pain are those who must lean over a bed or a surface for long periods of time while working such as nurses, respiratory therapists and cake decorators.

A qualified neuromuscular massage therapist can relieve the pain caused by leaning while working.

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Common Trigger Point #5 — Leg or Knee Pain

The lateral part of the leg contains a dominant muscle group that can be responsible for stiffness and fatigue in the upper leg but can also be a cause of “runner’s knee.”

Other people who may experience problems with trigger point #5 are bicyclists and horseback riders. A neuromuscular massage can relieve the pain associated with trigger point #5.

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Common Trigger Point #4 — Sciatica

Sciatica, often thought to be caused by a pinched nerve, is more often caused by a trigger point in the piriformis muscle.

In fact, pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips or pain that shoots down the leg, often is a result of tightness in two major muscles in the buttocks.

Anyone who sits for extended periods is susceptible to pain from trigger point #4 — cab or truck drivers, gamers, and people who work at computers. A qualified massage therapist can greatly relieve the pain from sciatica by addressing trigger point #4.

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Common Trigger Point #3 — Foot Pain

Pain in the arch of the feet — plantar fasciitis — is the most common cause of foot pain. It can be relieved, often permanently, by finding the trigger points in the calf and in the arch of the foot.

Anyone who stands for long periods of time or works on their feet most of the day is susceptible to pain from trigger point #3 — dock workers, chefs, retail employees, cashiers, medical personnel and hair dressers.

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Common Trigger Point #2 — Tension Headaches

The back of the skull has a network of muscles that when massaged, can relieve headaches.

One of the least recognized, but common causes of tension headaches are bifocal glasses that require the wearer to adjust the head to the glasses.

Fortunately, a qualified massage therapist can do much to relieve the pain caused by trigger point #2.

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Common Trigger Point #1 — Neck Pain

There is a triangular region on the side of the neck in the scalene muscles that, when tight, can cause a range of symptoms from pain along the scapula, in the neck, in the upper chest or even in the shoulders through the arm and down to the hands.

Even more confusing is the connection of these muscles to TMJ, hoarseness or a feeling of having a lump in the throat.

Nurses, hair dressers, chefs, and people who sit at computers are all susceptible to pain caused by trigger point # 1. Neuromuscular massage can relieve the cause of the pain.

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Raking Leaves is Great Exercise

Raking leaves is a perfect opportunity to get outside during the nice fall weather and get a little exercise.

Raking leaves is a moderate physical activity that can build upper-body and core strength.

Before you begin, a good warmup is in order. Raking uses nearly all the muscles in your body–arms, chest, shoulders, legs, and back.

Take a short walk about the yard, do a few arm circles, and stretch your legs and back.

Be sure to switch sides every now and again to prevent overuse injuries.

Don’t overfill the bags so that they become heavy to lift and move. Moving heavy bags can cause a strain on your back muscles.

If you’re stiff and sore after raking your leaves, a good neuromuscular massage may be just what you need before the next big wind leaves your yard full again.
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It’s Getting Cooler, but You Could Still be Dehydrated

Even though the temperatures are falling, you do not have to sweat profusely to become dehydrated.

Studies show that adults over the age of 50 are the most likely to become dehydrated because the ability to recognize thirst decreases, many older adults take diuretics to control blood pressure, and some people who suffer bladder control problems drink less than they should.

You know you’re not drinking enough if you suffer muscle cramps with physical activity. Adding a sports drink with sodium will help.

Suspect you’re not drinking enough if you experience altered mood, impaired memory or headaches.

The old rule still holds true, eight 8-oz glasses of water a day is where you start. You may need more if you’re physically active.
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