Rapid Release of Trigger Points: Manage Pain & Tension While Saving Your Hands
Live Event

Rapid Release of Trigger Points: Manage Pain & Tension While Saving Your Hands

Wed, Mar 11th, 2026
7:00pm – 9:00pm US Eastern Time
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About the Event

In this live interactive webinar, we'll go through why people present with numerous painful, tense areas of consistent muscle tension that limit their mobility and function. Poor posture, faulty habits, traumas and strains to the neuromuscular system contributes to those reactive tight ropy bands of abnormal muscle contraction known as trigger points (TPs). TPs contribute to neck pain, headaches, back pain and activity limitation or functional disability. The cause of TPs is often overlooked, or simply not addressed, as therapists try to compress them away, only to find they return right after the session. In this live interactive webinar learn what defines a trigger point, what it represents in the neuromotor system, how to document, and how to use a variety of techniques to manage them for more successful clinical outcomes. Turn happy clients into raving fans!

Live Event
This live online event will be held as a Zoom Webinar. Attendees will have the option to interact through features such as the Chat and Q&A, but cameras and microphones will not be enabled.

Live Event Instructors

Theresa Schmidt

Theresa Schmidt

Dr. Theresa Schmidt PT, DPT, OCS, LMT, CEAS of Educise.com is an Orthopedic Certified Specialist PT, Expert Consultant, educator, massage therapist, hypnotherapist and author in private practice at Educise PC Health & Wellness in NH. She is a Clinical Specialist in the Pain program at New Hampshire VA. She received her DPT at UNE., served as faculty in PT and massage programs and presented for International Fascia Research Congress, APTA, AMTA, AOTA, NASA, Johns Hopkins, and Cleveland Clinics. She focuses on hands-on natural solutions to pain and mobility problems integrating manual therapy, precision exercise, functional training and alternative medicine approaches. Her engaging seminars inspire clinicians with practical tools they can apply immediately for measurable results clients rave about.

Theresa A. Schmidt, PT,DPT,MS,OCS,LMT,CEAS

Theresa A. Schmidt, PT,DPT,MS,OCS,LMT,CEAS

Dr. Theresa Schmidt PT,DPT,OCS,LMT,CEAS of Educise.com is an Orthopedic Certified Specialist PT, Expert Consultant, educator, massage therapist, hypnotherapist and author in private practice at Educise PC Health & Wellness in NH. She is a Clinical Specialist in the Pain program at New Hampshire VA. She received her DPT at UNE., served as faculty in PT and massage programs and presented for International Fascia Research Congress, APTA, AMTA, AOTA, NASA, Johns Hopkins, and Cleveland Clinics. She focuses on hands-on natural solutions to pain and mobility problems integrating manual therapy, precision exercise, functional training and alternative medicine approaches. Her engaging seminars inspire clinicians with practical tools they can apply immediately for measurable results clients rave about.

Target Audience

This live interactive webinar is intended for Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapists, and Occupational Therapy Assistants, Chiropractors, and Massage Therapists (PT, PTA, OT, COTA, DC, LMT).

Learning Objectives

After taking this activity, you should be able to:

  1. 1 Discuss the etiology of trigger points.
  2. 2 Document evaluation of trigger points in the medical record correctly.
  3. 3 Demonstrate 3 interventions to reduce the painful sensitivity and tension associated with trigger points.
  4. 4 Discuss current evidence for the effectiveness of trigger point management, using myofascial, positional and reflex release techniques.

Aggarwal, S., & Bansal, G. (2018). Efficacy of integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique in improving cervical function by reducing the trigger points on upper trapezius muscle: A randomized controlled trial. Muller Journal of Medical Sciences and Research, 9(1), 1-1.

Amini, A., Goljaryan, S., Shakouri, S. K., & Mohammadimajd, E. (2017). The effects of manual passive muscle shortening and positional release therapy on latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius: A double-blind randomized clinical trial. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 19(9).

Asquini, G., Pitance, L., Michelotti, A., & Falla, D. (2022). Effectiveness of manual therapy applied to craniomandibular structures in temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review. Journal of oral rehabilitation, 49(4), 442-455.

Bingölbali, Ö., Taşkaya, C., Alkan, H., & Altındağ, Ö. (2023). The effectiveness of deep tissue massage on pain, trigger point, disability, range of motion and quality of life in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome. Somatosensory & Motor Research, 1-7.

Blanco, C. R., de las Peñas, C. F., Xumet, J. E. H., Algaba, C. P., Rabadán, M. F., & de la Quintana, M. C. L. (2006). Changes in active mouth opening following a single treatment of latent myofascial trigger points in the masseter muscle involving post-isometric relaxation or strain/counterstrain. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 10(3), 197-205.

Boćkowski, R., & Gębska, M. (2019). Assessment of Trigger Points therapy effectiveness with positional release method among office workers. Journal of Education, Health and Sport, 9(3), 97-108.

Cabrera-Martos, I., Rodríguez-Torres, J., López-López, L., Prados-Román, E., Granados-Santiago, M., & Valenza, M. C. (2022). Effects of an active intervention based on myofascial release and neurodynamics in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 38(9), 1145-1152.

Collins, C. K. (2007). Physical therapy management of complex regional pain syndrome I in a 14-year-old patient using strain counterstrain: a case report. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 15(1), 25-41.

Falsiroli Maistrello, L., Geri, T., Gianola, S., Zaninetti, M., & Testa, M. (2018). Effectiveness of trigger point manual treatment on the frequency, intensity, and duration of attacks in primary headaches: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in neurology, 9, 254.

Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., Alonso-Blanco, C., Fernández-Carnero, J., & Miangolarra-Page, J. C. (2006). The immediate effect of ischemic compression technique and transverse friction massage on tenderness of active and latent myofascial trigger points: a pilot study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement therapies, 10(1), 3-9.

Gelmini, T. Â. M., Sant’Anna, P. C. F., Dhein, W., & La Torre, M. (2018). Acute effect of the ischemic compression technique on the EMG activity of the muscle upper trapezius in subjects with myofascial trigger points. Manual Therapy, Posturology & Rehabilitation Journal, 1-5.

Gerez, J. J. G., Figallo, M. Á. S., Martínez, P. V. M., Rabadán, M. F., Ortega, M. Á. L., Vidal, J. A. G., & Hernández, M. S. (2019). Short Term Application of the Muscular Inhibition Method of Strain/Counterstrain in the Treatment of Latent Myofascial Trigger Points of the Masticatory Musculature: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Clinical Advances in Health Research, 1(1), 2-10.

Howell, J. N., Cabell, K. S., Chila, A. G., & Eland, D. C. (2006). Stretch reflex and Hoffmann reflex responses to osteopathic manipulative treatment in subjects with Achilles tendinitis. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 106(9), 537-545.

Ibáñez-García, J., Alburquerque-Sendín, F., Rodríguez-Blanco, C., Girao, D., Atienza-Meseguer, A., Planella-Abella, S., & Fernández-de-Las Peñas, C. (2009). Changes in masseter muscle trigger points following strain-counterstrain or neuro-muscular technique. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 13(1), 2-10.

Khan, Z. K., Ahmed, S. I., Baig, A. A. M., & Farooqui, W. A. (2022). Effect of post-isometric relaxation versus myofascial release therapy on pain, functional disability, rom and qol in the management of non-specific neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 23(1), 567.

Kashyap, R., Iqbal, A., & Alghadir, A. H. (2018). Controlled intervention to compare the efficacies of manual pressure release and the muscle energy technique for treating mechanical neck pain due to upper trapezius trigger points. Journal of pain research, 3151-3160.

Lewis, C., & Flynn, T. W. (2001). The use of strain-counterstrain in the treatment of patients with low back pain. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 9(2), 92-98.

Lewis, C., Khan, A., Souvlis, T., & Sterling, M. (2010). A randomised controlled study examining the short-term effects of Strain–Counterstrain treatment on quantitative sensory measures at digitally tender points in the low back. Manual Therapy, 15(6), 536-541.

Lytras, D., Sykaras, E., Christoulas, K., Myrogiannis, I., & Kellis, E. (2019). Effects of an integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique program on neck muscle strength and endurance in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 23(3), 643-651.

Meseguer, A. A., Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., Navarro-Poza, J. L., Rodríguez-Blanco, C., & Gandia, J. J. B. (2006). Immediate effects of the strain/counterstrain technique in local pain evoked by tender points in the upper trapezius muscle. Clinical chiropractic, 9(3), 112-118.

Moustafa, I. M., Diab, A. A., Hegazy, F., & Harrison, D. E. (2018). Does improvement towards a normal cervical sagittal configuration aid in the management of cervical myofascial pain syndrome: a 1-year randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 19(1), 1-13.

Nagrale, A. V., Glynn, P., Joshi, A., & Ramteke, G. (2010). The efficacy of an integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique on upper trapezius trigger points in subjects with non-specific neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 18(1), 37-43.

Olesiejuk, M., Marusiak, J., & Chalimoniuk, M. (2023). Myofascial Trigger Points therapy decreases myotonometric tone and stiffness of trapezius muscle, benefits headaches and muscle pain in migraine. NeuroRehabilitation, (Preprint), 1-12.

Patel, V. D., Eapen, C., Ceepee, Z., & Kamath, R. (2018). Effect of muscle energy technique with and without strain–counterstrain technique in acute low back pain—A randomized clinical trial. Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal, 38(01), 41-51.

Sailor, S., Mehta, Y., Shah, N., & Trivedi, A. (2018). A comparative study of muscle energy technique and positional release technique on hamstring flexibility in healthy individuals. Journal of Integrated Health Sciences, 6(2), 64-64.

Sikdar, S., Shah, J. P., Gebreab, T., Yen, R. H., Gilliams, E., Danoff, J., & Gerber, L. H. (2009). Novel applications of ultrasound technology to visualize and characterize myofascial trigger points and surrounding soft tissue. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 90(11), 1829-1838.

Speicher, T. E., & Draper, D. O. (2006). Top-10 Positional-Release Therapy Techniques to Break the Chain of Pain: Part 2.

Schmidt, T. A., & Kraemer, T. J. (2016). Effects of Strain/Counter strain on Cervical Pain & Disability: A Case Report. MOJ Orthop Rheumatol, 5(5), 00193.

Hüseyin Temel, M., & Bağcıer, F. (2023). Is every anterior shoulder pain an impingement issue? Trigger points management for patients with anterior shoulder pain. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 31(1), 1-3.

Wong, C. K., & Schauer, C. (2004). Reliability, validity and effectiveness of strain counterstrain techniques. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 12(2), 107-112.

Wong, C. K., & Schauer-Alvarez, C. (2004). Effect of strain counterstrain on pain and strength in hip musculature. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 12(4), 215-223.

Wynne, M. M., Burns, J. M., Eland, D. C., Conatser, R. R., & Howell, J. N. (2006). Effect of counterstrain on stretch reflexes, hoffmann reflexes, and clinical outcomes in subjects with plantar fasciitis. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 106(9), 547-556.

Disclosure to Learners

CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity – including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).

The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and the reviewer:

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The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

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There are no known relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Course Creator

Theresa A. Schmidt, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, LMT, CEAS – None to report.

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Event Agenda

Agenda times are listed in US Eastern Time. That is 3 hours later than US Pacific Time. The event starts at 4:00pm US Pacific Time.

7:00pm – 8:00pm Introduction, etiology and evaluation of trigger points 8:00pm – 8:50pm Discuss current evidence and interventions of trigger point management 8:50pm – 9:00pm Q&A, Summary. All tims are Eastern Time

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