Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction: A Gathering of Forces: Toward an Era of Interdisciplinary Cooperation in the Treatment of Pain

Chapter 1 The Nature of Muscles and Trigger Points

Chapter 2 Qi, Movement, and Health

Chapter 3 Informed Touch

Chapter 4 Diagnosis and Treatment

Chapter 5 How to Use This Manual

Muscles of the Head, Neck, and Face
Sternocleidomastoid • Scalenes • Splenius Capitis • Splenius Cervicis • Posterior Cervicals • Temporalis • Masseter • Pterygoids

Muscles of the Shoulder Girdle
Trapezius • Levator Scapulae • Rhomboids • Serratus Anterior • Pectoralis Minor

Muscles of the Upper Limb
Pectoralis Major • Deltoid • Latissimus Dorsi • Teres Major • Supraspinatus • Infraspinatus • Teres Minor • Subscapularis • Biceps Brachii • Triceps Brachii • Brachialis • Brachioradialis • Hand and Finger Extensors • Hand and Finger Flexors

Muscles of the Torso
Erector Spinae • Quadratus Lumborum • Iliopsoas • Rectus Abdominis • Abdominals

Muscles of the Lower Limb
Gluteus Maximus • Gluteus Medius • Gluteus Minimus • Tensor Fasciae Latae • Piriformis • Hamstrings • Quadriceps • Adductors • Pectineus • Gracilis • Sartorius • Popliteus • Gastrocnemius • Soleus • Tibialis Posterior • Tibialis Anterior • Peroneal Muscles • Long Extensors of the Toes • Long Flexors of the Toes

Appendix 1: Meridian Pathways

Appendix 2: On Cutaneous Zones

Appendix 3: Commonly Used Acupoints

Pain Pattern Index

Symptom Index

Bibliography

About the Author

Donna Finando, L.Ac., L.M.T., has taught myology and myofascial meridian therapy throughout the country for more than twenty years. Steven Finando, Ph.D., L.Ac., is currently on the advisory board for the New York Chiropractic College School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Both studied extensively with Janet Travell, M.D., a pioneer in the field of pain management. Donna and Steven live on Long Island, New York, where they have been in continual practice for the past 29 years.

Reviews

"Knowing how to touch the human body when it is in distress is the skill that links bodyworkers with physical--and oriental--medicine practitioners. Nowhere is this knowledge more developed than in the seminal work on trigger-point release of Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons. Their magnum opus now becomes eminently accessible in this clinically pragmatic manual. Informed Touch belongs in the office of every professional practicing a physical medicine of any kind."
*Mark D. Seem, Ph.D., L.Ac., President, Tri-State College of Acupuncture, author of Bodymind Energeti*

"Never before have the disciplines of myofascial pain release and meridian therapy been so beautifully and practically connected. Simply put, this book is a must for all practitioners of hands-on medicine."
*Roberta F. Shapiro, D.O., Albert Einstein College of Medicine*

"Donna and Steven Finando have married some of the finest techniques that eastern and western physical medicine have to offer. Incredibly, they have done this in a single text, with excellent graphics, charts, and guidelines to specific soft-tissue work. This essential guide takes the place of many large volumes, especially when information is needed immediately. I highly recommend Informed Touch for not only the experienced practitioner, but for students as well."
*Marilyn Freedman, P.T., certified childbirth educator*

"This insightful book points out a new direction in medical therapeutics. It clearly delineates where the energetic field of the body intersects and animates the physical structure. By acting at this intersection, true healing can take place."
*Steven L. Rosenblatt, M.D., Ph.D., L.Ac., founder and past president of the California Acupuncture C*

". . . in addition to those professional healing touch practitioners wanting to stretch their skills or needing a good myofascial pain reference book, that I also suggest this book to those who suffer from chronic pain and those that do any sort of physical activity that could result in muscular pain and fatigue."
*Tami Brady, TCM Reviews*

". . . written carefully and thoughtfully, as if gently guiding the reader into an intimate understanding of what's happening in the body when a trigger point is present."
*Charlotte Michael Versagi, Massage Magazine, Nov-Dec 2005*

"Any who suffer from muscle pain will find her methods specific and useful, based on her acupuncture and massage background and studies with Janet Travell, MD, a pioneer in pain management."
*Diane Donovan, Bookwatch, April 2006*

"This is a classic that will be around for a long time . . . "
*Irene Watson, Reader Views, September 2010*

“The most valuable aspect of the book comes from its highly detailed illustrations, where the illustrator highlighted each body part discussed in red. This book is an excellent way to look for a stretch to relieve that specific ache or pain, and to understand that part of your body in relation to the muscular structure surrounding the area. Recommended.”
*Diana Rajchel, FacingNorth.net, September 2011*