Poor posture is the most common reason for myofascial pain in the shoulder and neck region. The MyoPresser accessories for the PostureJac may be the ideal on-on-the-go treatment. They relieve myofascial pain while the PostureJac corrects the cause.
Special Bonus: Each PostureJac unit is shipped with a free set of MyoPressers. Extra sets can be purchased along with your PostureJac purchase.
MyoPressers Relieve Myofascial Pain at Trigger Points
MyoPressers are PostureJac accessories that fasten under the straps and slide over painful trigger points to bring relief to myofascial pain. They can be placed are over three of the most common locations in the shoulder for myofascial pain: in the the front on the pectoralis minor, on the top of the shoulder over the trapezius, or over the levator scapula.MyoPressers bring relief when you need it, not when you have an appointment.
Chronic myofascial pain is a reality for many people. Many suffer from symptoms of fibromyalgia. Vast amounts of time and money are spent seeking relief caused from pain concentrated at contraction knots/trigger points/tender points. They are a very significant cause of chronic headaches (including migraines), known as cervicogenic (neck based) headaches.
The most common remedies are pain medication and massage. Massage is preferred because it does not require the use of drugs, however massage is not always easily obtained. Who wants to wait for a scheduled appointment when the pain is presentnow? There is also a growing concern among headache specialists that ongoing medication by chronic pain sufferers can lead to ulcers, kidney failure and liver damage. This is a worldwide epidemic and experts agree that non-medicinal strategies are urgently needed.
Advantages of the MyoPressers
You control over the pressure provided; how much and how long.
Wherever and whenever: Treatment can be integrated into regular activities.
While sitting at a work station or at a table in a chair without arms
While walking
During work intervals - between patients, at break time, during workouts and exercise time.
On special excursions such as sightseeing and standing in lineups when back and shoulder fatigue can be uncomfortable.
Cost savings: How fast would it pay for itself if medication was reduced or eliminated?
The following exercises were designed by Dr. Howard Makofsky to bring relief from myofascial pain at trigger points. Remember to apply moderate pressure according to need.
MyoPress and Release:
Starting position – Relaxed standing or sitting with the MyoPressers placed over contraction knots (aka“trigger points”) in the shoulder/upper back region.
Action – Downward pressure on both PostureJac handles forces the wooden MyoPresser balls into the knots causing myofascial relaxation. Hold this pressure for 10 – 30 seconds and release it.
Comments – Start gentle and ramp up the downward pressure as tolerated. For individuals who bruise easily, check with your physician before using and keep the pressure light. Be creative with the MyoPressers and attempt to eradicate those annoying knots wherever they may be hiding!
MyoPress and Stretch
Starting position – Same as above.
Action – In addition to the downward pressure described in the MyoPress and Release technique, add a stretching component away from the side of the “contraction knot.” Hold each stretch for 10 – 30 seconds and repeat 3 times. Comments – Go easy! These are powerful stretches and one needs to proceed with caution. If dizziness, nausea, or pain is experienced, stop immediately and check with your physician and/or physiotherapist. Remember, less is more! Top of Page
Try Multiple MyoPressers
Dr. Makofsky is using an extra set to provide relief to two trigger points at once.
One pair of MyoPressors comes with the PostureJac kit. Additional sets may be added to your purchase.
Purchase extra MyoPressers by following the Purchase page to the store (look carefully on the first page of the store)
In fact, use the coupon code "myopressers" for a 20% discount when you purchase (limited time offer, cannot be combined)
Myofascial Trigger Points - What is Their Significance?
Recent research articles (Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, June 2004 and the Journal of Applied Physiology, November 2005) have disclosed that myofascial trigger points have two interesting features:
Trigger points are associated with "contraction knots." These "knots" are caused by spontaneous electrical activity in the muscle. This sustained muscle activity at the trigger point compresses local blood vessels reducing the local supply of oxygen. As a consequence of combined impaired local circulation and increased metabolic demands of contracted muscle, the energy supply (local ATP) is depleted resulting in "ATP energy crisis." Because ATP is necessary to restore the normal resting state of the muscle, contractile activity persists and a vicious cycle develops resulting in pain and impairment.
It has been demonstrated with microdialysis needle technique that active trigger points contain significantly higher concentrations of protons, bradykinin, CGRP, substance P, serotonin, interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and norepinephrine than normal subjects and individuals with latent trigger points. The presence of these algogenic (pain producing) substances helps to explain why individuals with active trigger points have lower pressure pain thresholds and myofascial pain syndromes.
The MyoPressers, through specific compression therapy, help to reduce contractile activity at the "contraction knot" and disperse pain-producing biochemicals from active trigger points in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, paraspinals, and pectoralis minor muscles. These therapeutic effects help to explain the symptomatic relief experienced by using the combined PostureJac/MyoPresser system.
Trigger Points and Fibromyalgia
"Tender points define fibromyalgia."This opening statement in a recent publication by the American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association describes the current thinking that tender points associated with FMS really are myofascial trigger points (MTPs). According to Robert Bennett, M.D. of Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, "From a purely clinical point of view, these other tender areas usually fulfill the critera for a myofascial trigger point."
There is a distinction between active MTPs which are sensitive to touch and pressure and cause constant and spontaneous pain when the muscles are at rest and latent ones. Both have elevated levels of the noxious chemicals mentioned above, but latent MTPs tend to only hurt when pressed. Both active and latent MTPs can refer pain to other muscles and inhibit muscle movement and dysfunction. Latent MTPs are primed to become active ones if the muscle is overworked.
AFSA has funded two research projects involving MTPs in individuals with fibromyalgia. Myofascial Trigger Points: Are they the source of your pain? AFSA Update, Vol 14, Issue 1, November 2008
