Yep, it's this easy
The new fall schedule has just come out and the summer quarter at Twin Lakes College has slipped by rather quickly… Last night was our last Core Class. Our focus was on reducing low back pain and learning how-to find, palpate and release trigger points.
Trigger points are tender hot spots in the muscle fibers; when you have awareness brought to a trigger point, you know it immediately because they can be so painful. What can be so surprising about trigger points is how far they can refer pain away from the actual site of the restriction in the fibers.
Often, my clients have tried many modalities on the site of their pain without achieving any relief. This is the first hint that we are dealing with a trigger point. That usually tells me that the pain is being referred from another site. The second hint is that when we do land on a trigger point, it is exquisitely tender to the touch and often the client can feel the pain radiating away from the site.
I love teaching this work to students. The big “AHA” moment often comes when they are receiving the work and feel it in their own bodies. So, after our 5 week class with the very narrow focus of low back pain reduction, here are some of the observations made by my students:
1.Their practice clients loved the work. It made a difference for the clients right away. Some clients liked a firm deep pressure and some only the lightest of touch and yet the work was still effective.
2.They were amazed at just how far some of the trigger points could refer pain. Last night, one student was receiving work on the glutes and she could feel pain all the way into the opposite arm. Some might say this is impossible, but I know the body is one piece and the muscles are all surrounded by connective tissue and fascia that can be pulled on and compressed by tight muscles, too.
3.Every student in the class said that after 5 weeks of regular trigger point work, they could feel changes in their bodies. One student commented that she “feels more flexible, lighter, and more open”. Another said that “the hypersensitivity that was felt in the beginning of the class is gone and so is the low back pain” that she had for quite a while.
4.They learned how important it is to work the front of the body to eliminate pain in the back of the body. They also realized not to be intimidated by working areas that are often overlooked- adductors, psoas and abs to name a few.
5.The class liked the finishing moves, too. These simple moves help stabilize the core muscles so they are all properly doing what they are designed to rather than compensating. I also included the psoas resting position; do you remember that technique from a week ago or so? If not, check back over the blog. You may begin doing that for yourself today! It is sooooo easy and effective…
All in all, it was a fabulous class! I am glad that they all have some new tools to share with their clients. And I am glad that I got to share time with each of them- their feedback and observations reminded me of why we all love massage so much…it’s a wonderful way to connect mind and body holistically!
Just a reminder, If you are suffering from low back pain and would like to learn how to help yourself, I also offer private self care massage classes tailored to your needs in addition to my massage practice.
Enhance your health, it’s a precious gift. Thanks for checking in,
Jane Ann, massage pro NHC BS
