Most muscular aches & pains are caused or affected by untreated trigger points " localized tender spots in muscles. Understanding & treating these points can lead to rapid & lasting pain relief. Trigger point therapy is a powerful tool in the management of both acute & chronic pain including such common problems as headaches TMJ syndrome & back pain. Written in a straightforward style " The Concise Book of Trigger Points "is designed for the student & practitioner of massage/bodywork physical therapy physiotherapy osteopathy sports therapy & any other health-related field. It functions both as an entry-level textbook & an authoritative reference for even the most experienced therapist. The first four chapters describe the physiology of trigger points & the general methods of treatment. The following six chapters are organized by muscle groups; each two-page spread features detailed color illustrations of each major skeletal muscle accompanied by an explanation of each muscles origin insertion action & function. The physiological implications of the trigger points in each muscle are discussed along with treatment techniques. This edition contains updated text & a self-help section addressing common pain complaints including headache neck pain shoulder pain lower back pain & TMJ syndrome."