Relieving tension and pain in the lower body with trigger point release and yin yoga. Surrey, White Rock, BC

Taking Yin to a Whole New Level

There are many reasons as to why we have tension or pain in our lower body. 

Can it be caused from working out, or not exercising enough? 

Either way adopting yin yoga into a weekly schedule can be an answer.

When it comes to pain in the lower body it is my belief that much of the pain begins in the buttocks and hips. Specifically, these two areas indicate the gluteus medius' dysfunction sends pain down the side of the thigh into the back of the thigh. 

Here is a list of some symptoms:

    -  Pain or tension in the hip

    -  Pain in the buttocks

    -  Pain or tension in the lower back around the beltline

    -  Pain when laying on the affected side (may cause legs to fall asleep)

    -  Pain or discomfort extends down the leg or the back of the leg

    -  Pain or tightness when slouching

Opening up the hips brings back mobility and alleviates much pains that are caused by simple trigger points (more information on TrPs found below). 

With Yin yoga postures we focus on the many areas of the lower body that cause pain 

in the hips, low back, gluteus muscles, hamstrings, IT Band, and calves. 

Here are a few photos that show of how a trigger point (TrP) can effect the body:                                                      

Tensor Fascia Latae (TFL)

red shows pain sensations

Clinical Diagnoses may include: trochanteric bursitis, illiotibial tract friction syndrome, sacroilitis, and peripheral nerve entrapment, to name a few. 

    -  Deep pain in the hip going down the outside of the thigh
    -  Discomfort when sitting
    -  Pain the the front of the hip joint
    -  When standing the knees and hips tend to be bent
    -  Increased pain when the foot hits the ground when running or walking

Here is an example of a marathon runner. All the muscles of the thigh connect to the pelvis where the quads, or front muscles of the legs, have become shortened. This contraction in the leg pulls on the hips sending the pelvis forward and down toward the knees, which affects the back of the leg and knees. Even though there is no noticeable pain in the hamstring, the tension from the legs causes other areas to be affected. It is by stretching out the quads that allows the muscles to return to balance and restores full range of motion to the hip, pelvis and knees, and ultimately eliminating pain!  

xx TrPs in Gluteus Medius

pain in low back, hips, buttocks, and can go down the legs

Pain in the lower back around the beltline.

Pain in the hip

Pain in the buttock

Pain occasionally extends down the outside of the leg

Pain occasionally extends into back of the leg

Pain when laying on the affected side

Pain when sitting slouched

- See more at: http://thewellnessdigest.com/gluteus-medius-muscle-belt-line-hip-buttock-thigh-pain/#sthash.nERObm53.dpuf

Pain in the lower back around the beltline.

Pain in the hip

Pain in the buttock

Pain occasionally extends down the outside of the leg

Pain occasionally extends into back of the leg

Pain when laying on the affected side

Pain when sitting slouched

- See more at: http://thewellnessdigest.com/gluteus-medius-muscle-belt-line-hip-buttock-thigh-pain/#sthash.nERObm53.dpuf

What is a Trigger Point (TrP)?

Technically, a trigger point is a “highly irritated localized spot of exquisite tenderness in nodule”.

Why are there TrPs? When we use muscles to move it creates a constant tension on the muscles. Unfortunately, when there it is an injury the dormant tissue creates pain away from the knotted tissue.

 

Effects:

   - resists circulation

   - accumulates by-products

   - deprives oxygen and nutrients

Physiology of a Trigger Point in the SCM

Physiology of TrP in the Sternocleidomastoid

•       Letter A is a muscle fiber in its regular state

•       Letter B indicates a knot in a fiber appearing to be bulbous of the contraction identifying with shortening and greater width.

•       Letter C is part of a muscle fiber that extends to the muscle’s attachment.

-       blood flow essentially stops;

-       pain signals sent out. Pain may radiate;

-       brain institutes a policy of rest.

One Trigger Point in a Muscle Fibre

It only takes ONE myofibril, 

and there are literally hundreds to thousands in one muscle fibre, 

to create a TrP!