You can't begin to relieve pressure point pain until you understand what type of pain it is. Doctors use the term, "pressure points" to refer to areas of tenderness in the body, most commonly in the neck and back. These areas are so delicate that touching them can produce extreme pain, especially in the surrounding areas. Certified therapist Clair Davies explains that pressure points (also known as trigger points) can refer pain to other areas of the body, especially to overworked shoulder and upper back muscles.
Instructions
1. Consider trigger point therapy which uses massage techniques to treat affected muscles. According to Dr. Janet Travell, former White House physician, and her partner, Dr. David Simons, "trigger point therapy" is an effective, state-of-the-art remedy that combines muscle injections, heat therapy, stretching exercises and massage to alleviate pain.
2. Seek acupuncture therapy. According to acupressure expert, Dr. Michael Gach, acupuncture treatments relieve pressure point pain by improving circulation. This encourages a natural flow of oxygen and more nutrients into the tender areas which helps the muscles heal.
3. Find out about shiatsu therapy. Dr. Gach explains that doctors who practice this form of acupressure treatment use their fingertips to apply gentle force to two pressure points simultaneously, producing pain relief within three to five seconds.
4. Treat pressure points that cause head pain by following the advice of Neck Solutions. Bring together your thumb and index finger and move them along your head to find a sore spot. Then learn to stimulate the points by applying pressure with these two fingers. Start by pressing gently until it seems that the pain begins to travel or to subside altogether.
5. Relieve the pain with relaxation exercises. Hospice Net of Nashville recommends relaxation to remove muscle pain but also cautions that you must be willing to wait two weeks from the time you start the exercises before you notice any significant pain relief.
6. Learn use visual concentration or slow rhythmic breathing to control pressure point pain. For example, with your eyes closed, imagine a peaceful place that is free from stress. Then take the palm of your hand and massage the painful muscle firmly. Or you can breathe slowly and deeply, gently tensing the affected muscles at the same time. Then relax completely and exhale.
7. Try using distraction techniques if you have a feeling that the pain has a psychological component or if it's not too severe. Involve yourself in watching a movie or doing an activity you enjoy. If it doesn't stop the pain altogether, distraction may at least help to take your mind off of it.
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