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Trigger Points

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GailP
GailP

Does anyone have trigger points throughout their body? It's been over three years since my bilateral frozen shoulder episode started. My shoulders are no longer frozen, though I did end up with permanent impairment (range of motion was not fully restored). But I do have these "trigger points", extremely tender spots in my upper arms, buttocks, upper thighs and shins. It feels like little bruises, but there is no discoloration. Very tender to press on. These arrived with the frozen shoulders, I did not have them prior. I've done all kinds of physical therapy, acupuncture, Rolfing, massage, and the trigger points remain. I think it points to some kind of systemic problem, certainly not limited to my shoulders. Has anyone else experienced these and, if so, have you found anything (supplements, hormones?) that alleviates them?

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Gerry_the_neck
    Gerry_the_neck

    Posted

    Hi

    You refer to 'trigger points', but they would only be trigger points if they were causing another problem. I think what you are experiencing, from your description, is referred nerve symptoms, either from a neck nerve problem or a lower lumbar nerve problem. These referred 'hot' points can result from either a trapped nerve or just the threat of a trapped nerve. Considering you've already had frozen shoulder, the most likely culprit is the cervical (neck) spine....possibly cervical spondylosis, which can refer symptoms to the arms, shoulders and legs. The only way to confirm would be to ask your GP or Physio to refer you for an MRI scan of neck and take it from there. If it's not C/S, at least you will have eliminated that option. Other signs pointing towards C/S would be pins and needles in hand, numb hand, stiff neck or back of head muggy headaches. I might be on the wrong track here, but your description is familiar to me, and I have C/S/

    Gerry

  • GailP
    GailP

    Posted

    Well, I don't have any numbness or tingling. And I did have an MRI which didn't show anything. So not sure it is referred nerves. I'm calling them trigger points for lack of a better term. Since none of the doctors or therapists I've seen could really explain it. The points don't stay constant. Sometimes they get better or one will crop up somewhere else, but I almost always have at least a few in the places mentioned in my original posting. Thanks for your post Gerry, I appreciate any input I can get on this! I should probably mention, these trigger points really only hurt when they're touched or massaged, then they're very tender.
  • Gerry_the_neck
    Gerry_the_neck

    Posted

    Maybe not C/S then....that's good news. I really wouldn't know what else to suggest, but it does sound like referred nerve symptoms. I've heard that Gabertin is good for nerve problems but I've never used it myself. Otherwise, don't know so I'll just wish you good luck in finding some answers/
  • Bad_shoulder
    Bad_shoulder

    Posted

    I have had frozen shoulder since April and despite physio, massage acupuncture cortisone injections it has c continued to worsen- until I happened upon a book called the "Frozen Shoulder Treatment Workbook" by

    Clair Davies. It centres on the treAtment of trigger points. Since following the treatment for a fortnight my pain is almost gone and my mobility has improved remarkably. There is also a book by the same author on the treatment of trigger points for the whole body. I just wanted to share as this has been amazing for me. My family has also self treated nagging aches Nd pains with the same success. Hope this helps a fellow sufferer.

  • GailP
    GailP

    Posted

    Thanks for your reply. I've tried the recommendations for trigger points, it does help some. But what I don't understand is why they're so persistent for so many years.
  • Bad_shoulder
    Bad_shoulder

    Posted

    That's why I've tried to find a therapist who understands them. I always just end up with a really painful remedial massage which just creates more misery. I think there's a lot of " satellite" trigger points that come from the main ones. This has given me the best results I've had. I just wish I could find a therapist who could assist me to apply the treatment properly. I am learning more and more though as I research it. Good luck.
    • caitlin39841
      caitlin39841 Bad_shoulder

      Posted

      hi bad shoulder;

      re: the trigger points or/and referred pain due to nerve irritation/hypersensitivity. 2 simple gentle modalities that might help would include:

      1) The Bowen Technique

      How does it work?

      Using only fingers and thumbs, the Bowen practitioner makes small, rolling movements

      over muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissue at precise points on the body. Many of

      the moves made by the therapist are over recognised trigger points, acupuncture points,

      neurolymphatic reflex points, golgi receptor cells and joint proprioreceptors. Ultra-gentle

      fascia work is also often incorporated.

      One of the most profound effects Bowen can have is in shifting the Autonomic

      Nervous System – which controls over 80% of bodily functions – from sympathetic to

      parasympathetic dominance, releasing stress at a very deep level. This subtle but dynamic

      process allows the body to re-align, address imbalances in functions and chemicalcomposition and, as far as possible, restore homeostasis (physiological equilibrium)

      within the body.

    • caitlin39841
      caitlin39841

      Posted

      the other gentle modality is:

      Touch For Health (TFH)

      TFH is a dimplified and practical branch of Applied Kinesiology. it can be described as a system that evaluates structural, chemical, and mind.body aspects of health by using a method referred to as manual muscle testing (MMT). The essential premise of TFH/ applied kinesiology, is that every organ dysfunction is accompanied by a weakness in a specific corresponding muscle in what is termed the "viscerosomatic relationship''. So AK & TFH are a form of biomuscle feedback that tell us what's going on in the deeper structures of the body & the psyche. The interconnectedness of both the physical body systems and the mind are strongly emphasised in TFH & all forms of Kinesiology. they are both very gentle forms of treatment. do google both for further information & location of a Therapist.

      C

    • caitlin39841
      caitlin39841

      Posted

      that should have read ''simplified'' & practical branch of AK.
  • GailP
    GailP

    Posted

    I agree, a good therapist helps. The most help I've received has been from a Rolfer. Unfortunately I have to pay out of pocket and it's pretty expensive. Thanks for your feedback and good luck to you too!
  • Bad_shoulder
    Bad_shoulder

    Posted

    Yes it is expensive. I was able to have the acupuncture and physio through Medicare. Neither if which helped at all. Just caused more pain. The remedial massages are very expensive but if it had helped I would have found the money to have one done fortnightly or so. But again - just made the pain worse. Using the trigger points has given me amazing relief however I am afraid that my othe arm is being strained from applying the pressure. It would be winderful to find somebody who understands them. It is difficult to locate the tender spots in another person. I have found that although they do return that they are reducing I intensity. One book suggests gentle stretching and moist heat applied after ther treatment. I have found this to be helpful too. I'm unable to do some if the recommended stretches due to lack of mobility but it is definitely improving remarkably every day. Actually scratched my head yesterday with that arm without honking about it until I realised what I was doing.
  • Bad_shoulder
    Bad_shoulder

    Posted

    It's very early morning. Pain woke me up and my fingers aren't working on the keyboard very well so hope you can understand despite my typos!!!
  • Bad_shoulder
    Bad_shoulder

    Posted

    I also find yoga is helpful in keeping me flexible and relieving soreness / stiffness all over. That's why I'm so frustrated by this as I have always tried to maintain flexibility and strength as I get older after watching my mum and mum in law struggle to get around. Hope things improve for you.
  • LynnSATX
    LynnSATX GailP

    Posted

    I have been experiencing similar tender spots related to trigger points in my left hip and thigh and shins (bilaterally) and L3-L5 disc compression which are usually massaged away temporarily, but return in different locations...  Dry needling has resolved trigger points in my hip with successful results, but the recurring tender points are my main issue...

    GailP, did you happen to retrieve a viable diagnosis for your symptoms that I seem to share as well?    I would be interested to know what you learned since you posted your concerns over a year ago...

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