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merge into a single nerve at the spine before continuing on to
the brain. As these signals merge, it becomes possible for
mistaken impressions as to the true source of the pain to occur.
Additionally, Trigger Points create shortened muscles which
often compress nearby nerves. This compression irritates the
nerve and distorts the nerve signal transmissions. This can lead
to irregular sensations such as numbness, tingling, and burning.
The Brachial Plexus is a network of nerves originating in the
neck, and supplying the neck, upper back, shoulders, arms,
forearms, and hands. This explains why many Trigger Points found
in the neck and upper back can lead to pain and dysfunction
throughout the upper body. Shortened muscles can also compress
nearby arteries and veins. Decreased blood flow in an artery can
lead to decreased temperature (i.e. cold hands and fingers),
while decreasing blood flow in the veins can lead to swelling
hands and fingers.
Finally, Trigger Points make movement of the
muscles themselves difficult. Stretching or contracting muscles
affected by Trigger Points can cause intense pain, and the body
responds by trying to protect itself, a phenomenon called
"splinting" or "guarding." Over time the muscles stiffen, and
can even form scar tissue, which further immobilizes them. What
was originally decreased movement based on trying to avoid pain
ultimately results in the incapacity of the muscle to move
HOW DOES APPLYING PRESSURE
MAKE TRIGGER POINTS GO AWAY?
When pressure is applied to the Trigger Point, the
chemical/pressure cycle is interrupted, which helps to stop the
contraction and the pain in the muscle. Additionally, the muscle
is heated and kneaded during treatment, which helps to increase
circulation and to remove the metabolic waste products. Another
effect is that muscle fibers become lengthened and stretched
which decreases the pressure component of the pain cycle.
Finally, adding a stimulus (firm pressure) to the trigger point
overrides the pain signals being transmitted, much like a train
track which can be switched.
The advantage of the Pressure Pointer is that
while applying the pressure to the Trigger Points, the muscles
involved are able to be fully relaxed during treatment, allowing
deeper penetration and the ability to stretch. For treatment to
be effective, the specific Trigger Point, or contracted portion
of the muscle, must be contacted with firm, sustained pressure.
A Beginners Guide On How
to use the Pressure Pointer®
For a more
advanced techniques for certain muscles
||Depress the release buttons while
holding your foot on the lower section and lifting
the upper section. Rotate the top section towards
you and set the Roller Head at about your eye
height. Let the release buttons snap into the
nearest adjustment hole.
The Pressure Pointer can be used easily by people
from 4'6" tall to 6'4", sitting in a
regular chair. If you are a little taller, you can
use a lower chair, by using a couch, people near 7'
tall have enjoyed the Pressure Pointer effects. By
using a higher chair, or putting a few phone books
on a low chair, the Pressure Pointer can be used by
just about anyone.
by using the large ball to briskly move around and
increase blood flow and tone of skin. As you begin
to feel tender areas, slow down and apply deeper
pressure, stop on each point and hold firm pressure
for about a minute. You may feel the point 'move'
under the ball, that's the 'releasing' feeling. Keep
some pressure on, follow the point along and
increase pressure again for about a minute again.
After several 'concentrations' on a point, you will
find pain in the area greatly reduced.
|Once you begin to feel
like you are pushing hard with your foot, move to a
smaller head and concentrate the pressure. As you
reduce the head size the precision and depth of the
pressure will increase dramatically. If you have
experience with Pressure Point therapy, especially a
vigorous technique like Shiatsu, you will find the
greatest effect from the smaller heads.
|As you get used to using the Pressure
Pointer, other positions will 