Jaw pain and TMJ: The case of Rodney D.


Jaw pain, TMJ pain

Rodney had been coming regularly to the Massage Therapists in our Neuromuscular Therapy center in Metro West Boston for over a year mostly for maintenance, but he also had specific complaints of jaw and shoulder pain. He decided to try some Neuromuscular Therapy to see if he could get more relief for the shoulder and […]

August 23, 2009

Restless leg syndrome: Perpetuating factors


Buttock pain, Chronic pain, Hip pain, Leg pain, Piriformis syndrome, Restless leg syndrome (RLS), Scoliosis, Structural asymmetry, Tips for therapists

According to Travell & Simons in their Trigger Point Manual, “In patients with chronic myofascial pain, attention to perpetuating factors often spells the difference between sucessful and failed therapy.” Perpetuating factors in the case of Krystal S. were an important consideration in reducing the need for continued treatment for restless leg syndrome at my Neuromuscular […]

June 20, 2009

Restless leg syndrome pain: Treatment of Krystal S.


Buttock pain, Chronic pain, Leg pain, Piriformis syndrome, Restless leg syndrome (RLS), Scoliosis, Structural asymmetry

When muscle tension and hyperactivity from Trigger Points are the cause of RLS, Neuromuscular Therapy is very successful in relieving symptoms and sometimes eliminating this disturbing condition. When an initial series of appointments works, but symptoms return, underlying or perpetuating factors need to be discovered. Treatment in the case of Krystal S. in my Neuromuscular […]

June 18, 2009

Chronic back pain from uneven leg length: A Neuromuscular Therapy point of view


Acute pain, Arm pain, Back pain, Chronic pain, Low back pain, Scoliosis, Shoulder pain

Pain from a curvature of the spine caused by LLLI (Lower Limb Length Inequality) is a common condition usually overlooked in medical evaluations. Having LLLI  doesn’t always cause a problem, but when Trigger Points have formed, even one-eighth inch difference in the length of the legs can perpetuate pain if left uncorrected. (MDs Travell and […]

June 11, 2009

Chronic headache pain: A Neuromuscular Therapy point of view


Chronic pain, Headaches, Jaw pain, Neck pain, Neuromuscular therapy, Shoulder pain

As a Neuromuscular Therapist, how do I think about chronic headache pain? If medical reasons for headaches have been ruled out, the cause is probably muscular Trigger Points. Examining the muscles in the neck and shoulders usually turns up at least one cause. But finding unhealthy muscles with Trigger Points is only targeting the symptoms. […]

May 15, 2009

Chronic headache pain: Treatment of Melinda W.


Chronic pain, Headaches, Jaw pain, Muscle information, Neck pain, Neuromuscular therapy, Scoliosis, Shoulder pain, Stretching (Active Isolated method)

In the case of Melinda W., I found a scoliosis and lower limb length inequality (LLLI) that were tilting her shoulders, causing tension in the jaw (TMJ) and neck musculature and giving her chronic headaches. I recommended trying a heel lift to level her out, and she scheduled a TMJ evaluation at a major Boston […]

May 14, 2009