A brief history of Trigger Point Therapy
December 10, 2008 by John Capozzi
Research on trigger points dates back as far as 1843 by Froriep, a pre 20th century author, he found treating tight cords or bands in the muscles would decrease pain and increase movement.
In 1900, an American named Alder, talked about pain radiating from a tender spot in the muscle. (Example): a tender spot in the shoulder or trapezius muscle could radiate to the temple area causing a headache. This was later named referral patterns.
There have been other researchers along the way, but the most notable is Janet Travell, MD and David Simons, MD research scientist. Travell worked in cardiology, pulmonary and general medicine and her main complaint received from her patients was pain. She dedicated her studies to myofascial pain. Dr.Travell was also the first female appointed White House Physician under John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. She passed away in 1997 at the age of 95.
John Capozzi, Licensed Massage Therapist
CNY Healing Arts
jcapozzi@cnyhealingarts.com
315.671.5755
Is this along the same lines as reflexology? I am a real believer in that. I tend to get headaches a lot and getting a massage in a certain portion of the bottom of my foot makes the pain go away almost as soon as it is touched.