Spikey Ball
 

Another good thing that I found to work on trigger points is a spikey ball. The set I have came with a larger, and softer ball, that actually looks more like a peanut. That one's okay, but the one I really like is a smaller 2 inch ball that is really hard. Those little spikes on the ball really dig into your muscles. It's almost like a meat tenderizer.

Not only do the little spikes dig into the muscles well, but they also help hold the ball in place. That's one problem I've had with with other kinds of balls. If you get on a tight spot, the ball squirts out of there. This one doesn't do that. It makes it much easier to use.

Here's what they look like. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=957tflebvxM

Myofascial Release Tools
 

This video shows some good tools for myofascial release. I have everything but the medicine ball. Using these can be a bit painful but they get results.
http://www.functionalpatterns.com/th...fective-video/

I read a lot online and just tried it out.. it would be pretty rare to injure yourself by trying it. If anything hurts very bad then stop.

After rounds of PT, then 2 robotic partial rib resections, my child is in PT to strengthen wasted muscles from years of problems. With all rounds of PT my child had severe knots in the upper back muscles, neck muscles, and shoulder muscles. It wasn't until the physical therapist started using trigger point try needling did the muscles finally relax. There was a significant difference even after the first round of treatment. It accomplished what months of therapy and massage could not do. It eliminated pain that was associated with the tight muscles which was created by the natural position used to help her body cope with the arterial and venous TOS.

I use my foam roller to deactivate trigger points in my upper back and thighs. I use the stick on my lower legs when I get foot pain. I also use the theracane. My favorite resource has been the trigger point therapy workbook. We even purchased an ijoy massage chair from a furniture store…..great for scapular triggerpoints. Now that this current injury has caused symptoms that have become chronic, I need to get out all these tools again.

It's not for the TOS but it's pretty easy to say that the physio hit the right spot!! Graham Jarvis is one of the best dirtbiker in Canada. Watch this here. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152043739324823

Alexis

LOL Yeah, it can be pretty painful when you find the right spot.

This is a good explanation. http://youtu.be/yJ-EdIffEow

Alexis

My quick question? Have any of the members here found significant long term benefits from myofascial therapy?

Also is deep tissue work reccomended for TOS? Is it safe?

I think it really depends on what your version of TOS is caused by.

If soft tissue is a factor, involving poor posture, forward head/forward shoulders, or repetitive, then most likely some very good physio, chiro, bodywork and lots of self care focus would be beneficial. This route does take time could be many months even years, and limiting re injury activity or what ever set the TOS off.

For me it took about 2+ yrs to get back to 80% and not working..
My version was from repeated /chronic RSIs and coupled with forward head posture/strain due to work postures & uses.