Other Sellers on Amazon
& FREE Shipping
89% positive over last 12 months
90% positive over last 12 months
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, 2nd Edition Paperback – August 1, 2004
| Clair Davies (Author) Find all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author |
There is a newer edition of this item:
Enhance your purchase
This dynamic technique has made a huge impact among health professionals and the public alike, becoming an overnight classic in the field of pain relief. The book has sold over 220,000 copies since the release of the first edition in 2001. The second edition is a complete update and includes a new chapter specifically for massage professionals, as well as a chapter on systematic muscle relaxation techniques that can reinforce the therapeutic power of trigger point work.
- Print length352 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherNew Harbinger Publications
- Publication dateAugust 1, 2004
- Dimensions8.75 x 0.75 x 11 inches
- ISBN-101572243759
- ISBN-13978-1572243750
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together

- +
- +
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Garden of Life Joint Supplement for Men and Women - Wobenzym N Systemic Enzymes, Clinically Studied Formula for Healthy Joints, Mobility, Flexibility, Post-Exercise Recovery, Gluten Free, 200 TabletsAmazon's Choicein Multi-Enzyme Nutritional Supplements
Climate Pledge FriendlyClimate Pledge Friendly uses sustainability certifications to highlight products that support our commitment to help preserve the natural world. Time is fleeting. Learn moreProduct Certifications (3)

Carbonfree Certified determine the carbon footprint of the product, and associated carbon emissions are offset with reduction projects.

Compact by Design (Certified by Amazon) products remove excess air and water, which reduces the carbon footprint of shipping and packaging.

USDA Organic products are grown and processed according to standards addressing soil and water quality, among other factors.
Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain: The Practice of Informed TouchDonna Finando L.Ac. L.M.T.Paperback
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
The authors interest in trigger point therapy began when he used it to successfully treat his frozen shoulder. Since that time, he has dedicated himself to teaching others the same techniques. That dedication is obvious throughout his writing and the care he takes to make the therapy understandable to the lay public. Also included in this new edition is updated information that should be of great interest to pain specialists and bodyworkers, as well as useful instruction in a variety of relaxation techniques. Overall, this book is an excellent self-care resource for anyone interested in pain relief.--Larry Trivieri Jr.
Review
“I have long been a believer in and practitioner of trigger point therapy. I certainly recommend this book to the general public and health care practitioners. It is truly an excellent resource and provides the tools that induce self-healing and empowerment.”
—Bernie S. Siegel, MD, author of Love, Medicine, and Miracles and Prescriptions for Living and former student of Janet Travell, MD, author of Travell and Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual
“This is a useful book for anyone in chronic pain. There are few resources like this one, which empowers the reader to understand the problem and offers the tools to manage it. The approach to managing pain described in this book will help many take control of a significant part of their health and will become a valuable lifelong reference.”
—Scott M. Fishman, MD, chief of the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at the University of California, Davis and author of The War on Pain
“As a medical doctor who has been challenged by patients experiencing chronic pain, including those suffering from long-standing cases of fibromyalgia, I appreciate a safe solution for their problem. I believe this book, revealing that trigger point therapy may safely relieve chronic pain, should be in the hands of every doctor.”
—Terry Shepherd Friedmann, MD, author of Freedom Through Health
“…trigger point massage therapy may be the most effective treatment known for a wide variety of pain problems, including fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome.”
—C. Norman Shealy, MD, Ph.D., founding president of the American Holistic Medical Association and author of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies
“This must-have book gives practical methods for dealing with chronic pain in a format that is easy to use, and it works! I’m a believer!”
—Jo Ann Gillaspy, MS, RN, editor of The Nephrology Resource Directory
“Properly used, the information in Davies’s book should enable many people with myofascial trigger point disorders to participate effectively in treating their conditions. The book should be especially useful to those who do not have ready access to a practitioner familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of these common muscular problems.”
—Michael D. Reynolds, MD, rheumatologist
“The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook is a welcome and timely addition to the worlds of personal wellness, pain relief, and self-care. The author creates a highly effective form of pain therapy that anyone can learn. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of self-applied therapeutic bodywork.”
—Robert K. King, founder and president of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy
“I have personally benefited from the therapeutic effects of trigger point massage and I believe it deserves official recognition in the medical world. I hope physicians will study these self-treatment techniques and recommend them to their patients.”
—Rose Marie Hackett, DO, osteopathic physician and radiologist
“As a chiropractor for twelve years and an instructor of trigger point therapy at the Utah College of Massage Therapy for ten years, I found Davies’ book very accurate and complete. His graphics and illustrations make it easy to show patients and clients ways to improve quality of life. I believe the book will be a valuable asset to all health care practitioners who use trigger point therapy.”
—David B. Thomson, DC, instructor at the Utah College of Massage Therapy
“This is…a well-organized, easy-to-use handbook that will indeed help sufferers of myofascial pain learn to treat themselves with effective self-massage techniques. The detail and clarity of the book’s format will also make it invaluable to pain physicians who want to be able to teach their patients useful, simple strategies to manage soft tissue pain problems.”
—Joseph F. Audette, MD, instructor at Harvard Medical School and director of Outpatient Pain Services at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Medford, MA
From the Publisher
The proven method for overcoming soft-tissue pain, now available in a practical, step-by-step format. Helps ease the following conditions: · Fibromyalgia · Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome · Low Back Pain · Carpal Tunnel Syndrome · Tennis Elbow · Neck and Jaw Pain · Frozen Shoulder Pain · Arthritis · Headaches · Sore Knees and Feet · Accident Trauma · Joint Pain and Muscle Aches · Sports and Repetitive Strain Injury
From the Inside Flap
"This is . . . a well-organized, easy-to-use handbook that will indeed help sufferers of myofascial pain learn to treat themselves with effective self-massage techniques. The detail and clarity of the book's format will also make it invaluable to pain physicians who want to be able to teach their patients useful, simple strategies to manage soft tissue pain problems." Joseph F. Audette, MD, instructor at Harvard Medical School and director of Outpatient Pain Services at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Medford, MA "This is a useful book for anyone in chronic pain. There are few resources like this one, which empowers the reader to understand the problem and offers the tools to manage it. The approach to managing pain described in this book will help many take control of a significant part of their health and will become a valuable lifelong reference." Scott M. Fishman, MD, chief of the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at the University of California, Davis and author of The War on Pain
"As a medical doctor who has been challenged by patients experiencing chronic pain, including those suffering from long-standing cases of fibromyalgia, I appreciate a safe solution for their problem. I believe this book, revealing that trigger point therapy may safely relieve chronic pain, should be in the hands of every doctor." Terry Shepherd Friedmann, MD, author of Freedom Through Health
"Literally millions of people will be helpedand billions of dollars saved in unnecessary treatments and medicationsas people and professionals finally begin to understand the role of muscles, referred pain, and trigger points in eliminating pain. Davies has provided an important bridge between the many helping professions that deal with people in pain and their patients." Robert Uppgaard, DDS, author of Taking Control of TMJ
" trigger point massage therapy may be the most effective treatment known for a wide variety of pain problems, including fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome." C. Norman Shealy, MD, Ph.D., founding president of the American Holistic Medical Association and author of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies
"Properly used, the information in Daviess book should enable many people with myofascial trigger point disorders to participate effectively in treating their conditions. The book should be especially useful to those who do not have ready access to a practitioner familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of these common muscular problems." Michael D. Reynolds, MD, rheumatologist
"The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook is a welcome and timely addition to the worlds of personal wellness, pain relief, and self-care. The author creates a highly effective form of pain therapy that anyone can learn. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of self-applied therapeutic bodywork." Robert K. King, founder and president of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy
"I have personally benefited from the therapeutic effects of trigger point massage and I believe it deserves official recognition in the medical world. I hope physicians will study these self-treatment techniques and recommend them to their patients." Rose Marie Hackett, DO, osteopathic physician and radiologist
"As a chiropractor for twelve years and an instructor of trigger point therapy at the Utah College of Massage Therapy for ten years, I found Davies book very accurate and complete. His graphics and illustrations make it easy to show patients and clients ways to improve quality of life. I believe the book will be a valuable asset to all health care practitioners who use trigger point therapy." David B. Thomson, BS, DC, instructor at the Utah College of Massage Therapy
"This must-have book gives practical methods for dealing with chronic pain in a format that is easy to use, and it works! Im a believer!" Jo Ann Gillaspy, MS, RN, editor of The Nephrology Resource Directory
"Professional bodyworkers can use this book to sharpen their skills and to help improve the treatment of their clients. This self-treatment method will enable any motivated person to take personal responsibility for his or her own health to a whole new level." Stephen Yates, NCTMB
"This well-written book makes it easy to locate muscles and trigger points. Massage therapists and physical therapists will appreciate the ingenious techniques the author has devised to prevent injury and discomfort to the hands while treating the source of pain." Ann Luray Hatton, neuromuscular therapist
From the Back Cover
Doctors who specialize in pain treatment suggest that trigger points, small contraction knots in the muscles of the body, are the primary cause for about 75 percent of chronic pain cases. They further report finding trigger points in virtually every patient they treat.
Because trigger points nearly always refer pain to parts of the body other than where theyre located, diagnosing and treating them is difficultif you dont know what youre looking for.
This workbook teaches you exactly what to look for when assessing trigger points. Its clear illustrations show you where on the body trigger points form and the corresponding areas to which they refer pain. Then, in step-by-step detail, it explains how you can treat these sources of chronic pain with unusually effective massage techniques you can do by yourself at any time.
This fully revised and expanded edition of the first and best self-care guide to trigger point therapy includes progressive muscle relaxation techniques that reinforce and support your trigger point therapy. It also offers specific information for bodywork professionals who want to include trigger point therapy in their practices.
If youve struggled with chronic pain without finding relief, you owe it to yourself to learn and practice the techniques in this workbookeasy, reliable skills that offer real, lasting relief without drugs, doctor visits, and costly medical bills.
About the Author
Now deceased, foreword writer David G. Simons, MD, coauthored of Travell & Simons Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual
Product details
- Publisher : New Harbinger Publications; 2nd Edition (August 1, 2004)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 352 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1572243759
- ISBN-13 : 978-1572243750
- Item Weight : 1.85 pounds
- Dimensions : 8.75 x 0.75 x 11 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #176,347 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #237 in Pain Management (Books)
- #3,881 in Alternative Medicine (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Clair Davies, NCTMB (Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork), is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, and a graduate of the Utah College of massage Therapy. He specializes in trigger point massage for the treatment of pain.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Other muscles besides the scalene were involved and Clair Davies had them all referenced in the back of the book under "thumb". This is the case for any body part you may need help with, it is all very accessible and easy to find. Needless to say, this book was a miracle in my life - providing a simple solution to a debilitating problem that seemingly did not HAVE any solution (no doctor, acupuncturist, or even most up-to-date-book on repetitive strain injuries seemed to hit upon this stunning information). I went from abject misery to basically playing this strange video game of hunting out and zapping away all these trigger points hidden in my muscles.
I found this book fairly late in the healing process, and so it's important to note that another book, IT'S NOT CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME! helped me immensely with all of the problems I had that did NOT include trigger points - I would even say that my left side (arm, hand) had healed already by studying what I found in that book alone. But the trigger points were the missing piece.
I want to thank the reviewer who suggested getting the book spiral-bound at kinko's so it will lie flat and xeroxing the cover so you can pass it out to everyone you know without lending it (I gave my first copy away but discovered I need the book on an ongoing basis).
I discovered that the book actually has its own website, which you can find by searching 'trigger points' on google. I suggest reading ALL about the book there yourself, and if you think it might help you ordering from amazon because it is cheaper. Even once you have the book, the website makes the info. very accessible.
At a certain point, I started to dot the hard-to-find trigger points on my skin with a marker. It may look bizarre but they can be hard to keep track of and you want to get all of them.
DON'T OVERLOOK THE SECTION ON PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION, even if massaging trigger points seems to be enough to cure you.
The scalene trigger points can be HARD to find. At first I found them easily, but months later my symptoms came back and after 2 weeks of despair I found a terrible trigger point that was almost completely hidden in the scalene, I could only reach it after hitting the muscle at a particular angle.
Underline as you go along! Here and there he mentions areas of referred pain that are NOT depicted in the illustration.
Very relevant pages I xeroxed and taped to the wall.
Again, SOME aspects of Repetitive Strain Injury are not brought about by trigger points, so everyone w/computer related injuries needs to look at IT'S NOT CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME! by Suparna Damany and Jack Bellis and also the books by Emil Pascarelli. If you have REAL nerve damage, trigger point therapy may ease some of your discomfort but it won't resolve the problem.
Those with back problems might want to look into John Sarno's MINDBODY PRESCRIPTION. Maybe even those w/out back problems - however this recommendation is based on other people's experiences not my own.
Other books I used: Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (by Sharon Butler & also her online book about DeQuervain's of the thumb), Your Body's Many Cries for Water, Tendon & Ligament Healing, Free Your Breath Free Your Life...and the PBS program Priscilla's Yoga Stretches (not a book, it is apparently shown in many parts of the US). Some of these I got from the library, but being that my HANDS were at stake I would have just put them all on a credit card if I had had no other choice. I also recommend spending time between the shelves of Barnes & Noble.
If you happen to live in Los Angeles, Janet Travell & David Simon's medical volumes, upon which Clair Davies' work is based, are available at the Central Library (one reference set, and one that you can actually check out). Don't know about other major cities - but they're beautiful, exquisite books and amazingly clear.
Finally, I am just now looking into Bonnie Prudden's books particularly 'MYOTHERAPY' from 1984- and I am surprised because while they are missing key components of The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook they offer insights about trigger points that I have not found in other places. She quotes Janet Travell often, and there is great spirit in her book.
There is no way to express my gratitude to Clair Davies, et al, for making this info. available to the world. I am literally better off knowing about trigger points than I would be had I won a million dollars.
It's a crime that this info has been around for over a quarter of a century & the medical world has not yet grabbed a hold of it.
Good luck everyone!
January 8th, 2006 update: After all that I now have something more to add: I did actually have more trouble getting over a recent relapse than I would have expected, and I have been greatly helped by a massage therapist who is actually very familiar with trigger point therapy. In addition to trigger points, he has been helping me with other forms of massage therapy & guidance on how to rehabilitate my muscles without overdoing it. After being so injured for a long time it is great to have professional guidance in conjunction with self-applied trigger point therapy. He knew about this book & appreciated how well-informed I was - unlike certain doctors I have spoken with who seemed to take offense at my attempt to do my own research! In summary: use this book and if necessary, try to find a great massage therapist as well.
one more thing: the book is almost entirely viewable in google books! also, it has its own website triggerpointbook dot com.
Be sure to read Chapter Three to learn the proper way to massage myofascial trigger points. Actually, I recommend reading the first 3 chapters to learn all about myofascial trigger points and some of the surprising causes: allergies, anxiety & tension, vitamin and/or mineral deficiencies, sitting too long, surgery, slings, casts, injection in the gluteal muscle, & calcium channel blockers, to name a few. Surprising myofascial trigger point symptoms range from wetting the bed, dizziness, tinnitus, carpal tunnel, swollen ankles, feet, hands or wrists, excessive eye tearing, sinus problems; for women: painful intercourse, menstrual pain, again naming a few. Even arthritis & herniated discs have trigger points, so deep stroke massage on those trigger points can diminish pain for these & other conditions. Chronic pain is also covered & is harder to treat.
I highly recommend this book. It is easy to use; the myofascial trigger points are represented by black circles, the areas the trigger points refer pain to are shaded in. The book is broken down into sections such as head and neck; shoulder, upper back & upper arm; elbow forearm & hand; midback, low back, & buttock pain; to name a few, with clear illustrations throughout the book. Myofascia trigger points in the entire body are covered. Many chapters include a true life experience of someone who has experienced pain, what caused it and how they dealt with it.
Also, this book shows how to use your hands, elbows, tennis balls, etc. to massage the trigger points; it also has illustrations using the Thera Cane and references the Knobble & Backnobber. In my experience the Body Back Buddy Massager worked fine.
UPDATE: After finally ridding myself of the deep, aching pain that was waking me regularly, I developed off and on pain (not as bad) in another close-by area. I've had a hard time finding any trigger points, continued using the Body Back massager, and decided to add calcium supplements (recommended in this book) to my diet. I don't drink milk because I'm lactose intolerant. It seems that the calcium supplements are helping; the off & on pain is lessening.
update...after using calcium citrate supplements for about a month...the off & on pain is completely gone! I never would've guessed that in each case of pain I experienced...that the solutions would've been so simple.
Top reviews from other countries
The information is pretty simple to follow, locate the trigger point, use deep stroking massage, massage slowly, aim at a pain level of 7 on a scale of 10, limit the strokes to 6-12 per trigger point and work the trigger point 6-12 times a day.
A few things to be said though. The trigger points listed in the book may not be in the same place on you, so you my have to search, which can be frustrating.
Secondly, this book will not deal with what caused the trigger points. Example, if you're using muscles incorrectly and not bio-mechanically how they were made to move, that said muscle will develop trigger points. You work on them and get rid of the trigger points but still using the muscle incorrectly the trigger point will come back, so you may need to work along side a physiotherapist.
Finally, it can be time consuming when starting out and trying to find those pesky trigger points that hide, but once found you will already be on the path to recovery.
It's laid out well, very detailed, and each area of the body has it's own section. There are plenty of diagrams to look at, which are very useful when trying to locate trigger points.
There are also clear guidelines to follow, on how to massage yourself, and for how long. If the advice is followed, then you can actually get rid of a lot of the pain you may be suffering with.
I suffer with migraines, TMJ and spondylitis in my neck and back. This book has allowed me to help myself, and not rely on medication.
Some stubborn trigger points take longer to work out than others, but relief is found in the end.
I recommend the use of the 'Theracane' in conjunction with this book. Neither the book or the Theracane is cheap, but once you have them, you'll wonder how you managed without them!
In desperation I bought a few books on self help pain relief. This book has been, frankly, life changing. Following the advice in the book, I was able to locate some trigger points in exactly the places they said they would be. Within a few days my shoulder was 90% improved.
I still need to do the odd 'fix' every few months but I'm able to go about life without any worries. I can pick up my kids (who are now significantly bigger and heavier) as well as heavy digging and all that stuff!
My mother in law has great difficulty walking at times (bad knees). The following day after I worked on a few trigger points, she was walking around virtually pain free...she was amazed at how quick and effective it is.
If you're struggling from any form of nagging pain, I highly recommend you buy this book. It looks a little intimidating when you open it, but stick with it and you'll find it's actually very easy to use. There are lots of anecdotal stories which help to correlate your pain with the appropriate trigger point to work on.
In the past I've spent a fortune on Chiropractic and Osteopathic treatments - since getting this book I haven't needed any at all. I'm not saying that it will fix all ailments but it's certainly an excellent starting point...or worth a try if you've not had any success with doctors or therapists.







