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TriggerPoint Therapy in Sacramento

Myofascial Release Trigger Point Therapy


Myofascial Release Trigger Point Therapy 


Knowledge of the importance of tissues to the body’s structure and general well being has been present in Chiropractic circles, Osteopathy and physical therapy for many years. Myofascial release therapy takes its roots from these disciplines; however, myofascial release therapy focuses particularly on the role of the fascia muscles in relieving pain, correcting bad posture and bringing relief to many conditions caused by a stiff/abnormal fascia, also utilizing myofascial trigger point therapy for the trigger point areas.


It is generally agreed that the founding ideas of myofascial release therapy were first propounded in the 19th century by Andrew Taylor Still (a pioneer of osteopathic medicine and one of the founders of osteopathy). During the early 19th century, medicine was still backwards in many ways, patients were being treated with opium, whiskey and castor oil[1] – generally the practice was stagnant and the root cause of illnesses were never sought. It was in protest against this awful state of things that Andrew T. Still founded the American School of Osteopathy (now Kirkville College of Osteopathic Medicine) in Kirkville, Iowa in 1892. Although Still’s ideas were influenced (to a very minimal extent) by Christianity, he stressed practicality over blind superstition and other inefficient practices that were the order of the day. According to Still, “The Osteopath seeks first physiological perfection of form, by normally adjusting the osseous frame work, so that all arteries may deliver blood to nourish and construct all parts. [2]”

What Is Trigger Point Therapy ?

Trigger Point Therapy is sometimes referred to myofascial release therapy. In 1920, an Osteopath named William Neidner developed on Andrew Stills ideas. He is considered the founder of myofascial release therapy as it is known today. Neidner studied the fascia and developed “manipulation procedures designed to normalize it,”[3] which he termed “facial twist techniques.”[4] His technique can be classed as direct myofascial therapy.


Neidner’s technique, although a great improvement upon Stills work, lacked a lot in terms of presenting a science behind the practice and a general procedure.  Ida Rolf took this practice and added a technique and a science to it. She described her method of aligning the fascia as “Structural Integration” or “Rolfing.” Rolf had originally embarked on the study to help disabled persons who were unable to find any help in conventional medicine. In 1971, she opened the Guild for Structural Integration (which later became known as the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration). Structural integration differed from the other related practices before it - it was “holistic system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education with the goal of balancing the body in the gravitational field.”[5]

Trigger Point Therapy

In 1976, Jane Travell introduced the concept of “myofascial trigger points”, as others may  refer to it as trigger point therapy.  In 1983, she published a groundbreaking book that serves as reference for many myofascial release practitioners today; ‘Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Travell’s method was based on a system she described as “spray and stretch.” Basically the affected area was sprayed with a cooling agent and stretched to relieve tension. As can be deduced from the above statement, Travell’s technique focused more on pain relief and trigger points, than it did on the nature, structure and manipulation of the fascia. The introduction of Travell’s work to the massage therapy community by one of her students, Bonnie Pruden, brought much progress to the field. Myofascial release therapists, over the years, have improved on Travell’s work by uncovering more information about the fascia, and its crucial role in the body’s optimal functioning.


Myofascial release therapy is continually being improved; practitioners like John F. Barnes are pushing the limits of this practice by researching and combining new ideas into their work. These developments in myofascial release therapy follow in the spirit of one of its founding pillars, Andrew T. Still who said, “[finding] health should be the object of doctors. Anyone can find disease.” [6]


  1. Still AT. The Philosophy of Osteopathy. Kirksville, Mo: A.T. Still; 1899:12,17,88. Version 1.0. Inter Linea Web site. Available at:http://www (dot) interlinea.org/atstill/philosophy_of_osteopathy.pdf.

  2. Still AT. The Philosophy of Osteopathy. Kirksville, Mo: A.T. Still; 1899:12,17,88. Version 1.0. Inter Linea Web site. Available at:http://www (dot) interlinea.org/atstill/philosophy_of_osteopathy.pdf.

  3. Jon Parsons, Nicholas Marce. Osteopathy: Models For Diagnosis, Treatment and Practice,

  4. Jon Parsons, Nicholas Marce. Osteopathy: Models For Diagnosis, Treatment and Practice,

  5. Magnus Eklund, RMT. Myofascial Freedom from Trauma

  6. Still AT. The Philosophy of Osteopathy. Kirksville, Mo: A.T. Still; 1899:12,17,88. Version 1.0. Inter Linea Web site. Available at:http://www (dot) interlinea.org/atstill/philosophy_of_osteopathy.pdf.

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