Introduction to Myofascial Trigger Points and Musculoskeletal Dysfunction

MR ROB GRIEVE MSc DpodM,, MCSP

One day workshop

The aim of this one day course is to introduce musculoskeletal physiotherapists to Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs)/Myofascial pain and the application to clinical practice.

The main emphasis of this course will be on the identification of MTrPs within areas of regional pain and dysfunction (neck, shoulder, etc ). Manual therapy techniques and the management of MTrPs will be integral to the course. On conclusion of the course, clinicians will have the skills to identify and manage MTrPs, thereby increasing their scope of practice and effectiveness as clinicians.

Course Objectives/Aims:

• The main aim of this introductory course is to act as a “stepping stone” to enable and critically evaluate this valuable approach to musculoskeletal assessment and treatment.
• To review the underlying theory on MTrPs/ Myofascial pain linked closely to recent relevant literature.
• To identify specific MTrPs as described by Travell & Simons, (1983, 1992), Simons et al (1999) within muscles relevant to each anatomical region of dysfunction/pain.
• Apart from identification of specific MTrPs that refer pain within each anatomical region, we will also look at their clinical relevance….a recipe approach will be avoided!
• To review and practice manual therapy techniques and the management of MTrPs.
• To enable clinicians to attain the skills in identification and management of MTrPs, thereby increasing their scope of practice and clinical outcomes.
• To inspire clinicians to further increase their knowledge and use of MTrPs in their clinical practice.