CHIROPRACTIC CARE My chiropractor recently told me I have "trigger points" in my shoulder muscles. What are they and how can I get rid of them? Trigger points, sometimes called pressure points, are usually chronic, non=inflammatory areas of contracture in muscle and/or fascial tissue. Trigger points are caused by: acute trauma or overload to that specific muscle or related muscles; chronic overload of that muscle or related muscles; or a significant decrease in the body's core temperature may have this affect. These areas usually cause the muscle to feel firm, tense, and tender. They may cause restricted ranges of motion, twitching of the muscle and may cause weakness with no actual change in the size of the muscle. There are different treatments used depending on if these points are acute, sub-acute, or chronic. In general, one should: perform no heavy lifting or jerking movements with the involved muscle; stretch the affected area and follow with 20 minutes of heat daily for at least 7-10 days; maintain total body conditioning, drink 2 liters of water per day; and receive chiropractic adjustments to related areas of the spine. A chiropractor, physical therapist, or licensed massage therapist can work on these areas to reduce contracture and pain as well as improve flexibility and range of motion. A Dr Brook A. TOWNLEY Chiropractic Origin Chiropractic Physician 1203 28th St. S, Suite A Fargo, ND 280-2599 CHIROPRACTIC CARE My chiropractor recently told me I have "trigger points" in my shoulder muscles. What are they and how can I get rid of them? Trigger points, sometimes called pressure points, are usually chronic, non=inflammatory areas of contracture in muscle and/or fascial tissue. Trigger points are caused by: acute trauma or overload to that specific muscle or related muscles; chronic overload of that muscle or related muscles; or a significant decrease in the body's core temperature may have this affect. These areas usually cause the muscle to feel firm, tense, and tender. They may cause restricted ranges of motion, twitching of the muscle and may cause weakness with no actual change in the size of the muscle. There are different treatments used depending on if these points are acute, sub-acute, or chronic. In general, one should: perform no heavy lifting or jerking movements with the involved muscle; stretch the affected area and follow with 20 minutes of heat daily for at least 7-10 days; maintain total body conditioning, drink 2 liters of water per day; and receive chiropractic adjustments to related areas of the spine. A chiropractor, physical therapist, or licensed massage therapist can work on these areas to reduce contracture and pain as well as improve flexibility and range of motion. A Dr Brook A. TOWNLEY Chiropractic Origin Chiropractic Physician 1203 28th St. S, Suite A Fargo, ND 280-2599