The following are some of the more commonly asked questions in regards to Dr. Perry's method of practice. Additional Questions and Answers can be found on the General FAQ page.

Is Trigger Point Therapy the same as Deep Tissue Massage?

     Yes and No. If the reason you seek Deep Tissue Massage is for the deep relaxation it provides, then Trigger Point Therapy is very similar to, if not superior to, Deep Tissue work. Trigger Point techniques apply "deep" pressure to the contracted knots in muscle tissue. Releasing these knots (trigger points) in any muscle will drastically reduce tension in that muscle and also reflexively reduce muscle tension through-out the body.
     The primary difference between Deep Tissue techniques and Trigger Point Therapy techniques is that while Deep Tissue stripping techniques are applied to the entire muscle, Trigger Point techniques focus only on the contracted knots in the muscle. Another difference is that Trigger Point Therapy techniques can be done through the clothes, so there is no need for the patient to remove their clothing.

Do I have to be "adjusted"?

     No. You do not have to be Chiropactically adjusted. If you prefer not to have your spine or neck adjusted with Chiropractic manipulation, Dr. Perry can use Soft Tissue Joint Release techniques to address any problems with your spine.
     Soft Tissue Joint Release techniques are slow, gentle pressure techniques applied to the small intrinsic muscles of the spine. Though both Chiropractic and Soft Tissue Joint Release manipulations work extremely well with Trigger Point Therapy, you can choose to only receive trigger point work alone, if you prefer. We do not offer Chiropractic treatments alone, however, as we believe any pain relief, without the trigger point work, will be of a short-term nature.

Does Trigger Point Therapy hurt?

     Yes , releasing trigger points does produce pain. But the pain produced during a trigger point session has one important function: the pain confirms that this is indeed the source of your pain.
     Dr. Perry will always work within your pain tolerance, but you should expect to experience some discomfort during a treatment. Most patients describe the pain as a "good" type of pain (or rather that is it hurts and feels good at the same time).

How is Clinical Trigger Point Therapy different from trigger point work?

     Many massage therapists employ some form of trigger point work in their practice. This work typically consists of the therapist addressing any trigger points that they feel during the coarse of their normal routine. Because of the complexity of trigger point conditions however, this approach can "hit or miss" in its effectiveness.
     In contrast, Clinical Trigger Point Therapy accounts for the interactivity between trigger points, and is more comprehensive in its application. This systematic design is responsible for Clinical Trigger Point Therapy's exceptional clinical effectiveness.

Do I have to get undressed for a treatment?

No, all work can be done with the patient's clothes on. You are encouraged to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing however.

After a treatment, what can I do to avoid reactivating the trigger points that were released ?

Dr. Perry will give you specific instructions depending on your situation. There are, however, a few general recommendations:
  • Take it easy: Even if you feel great after a treatment, you should allow your muscles some time to recover. Avoid any strenuous activities such as exercise, gardening or yard work, sports, etc.
  • Drink lots of water: Force yourself to drink a couple extra glasses of water and avoid salty meals, alcohol, and caffeine. Dehydration will quickly reactivate the trigger points that were released during your treatment.
  • Eat: Try to eat a moderate meal within an hour or two after your treatment. Avoid foods that cause a quick rise and drop in blood sugar, like white bread, soft drinks, candy, cake, etc. Low blood sugar can reactivate trigger points, particularly those that cause headaches and neck pain.
  • Heat: Try to get a least 20 minutes of heat on the muscles that were treated. You can use a heating pad, shower, or hot tub to do this. Keep your muscles warm throughout the day and night. Wear light clothing to bed to prevent the muscles from being chilled by a ceiling fan or AC unit during sleep.