This guy's story is a good example of how important myofascial release(trigger point work) is. He even thought he might have TOS, but it just turned out to be trigger points in his upper back.

I've been doing trigger point work daily on my entire body. My tool of choice is a Thera Cane. I prefer that over a tennis ball or foam roller, but whatever gets the job done.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...6927791&page=1

I have found that balls (for me softballs & Yamuna), soft/MELT foam rollers, and theracane/backnobber tools all have their place in myofacial release. I still use all three tools in addition to other modalities (massage, TENS/ultrasound, Graston, rib mobilization, etc.).

This guy's story makes me wonder how many people out there have TOS surgery, and the actual problem is tight fascia and trigger points somewhere else in the body, besides the scalenes, rib, or pec minor.

I agree.

I believe I could have avoided surgery if I had found the right therapist (Dr. Ando) sooner. Dr. Ando has surmised this as well.

I bet i have knots here too
I have them all over my back but i think theyre latent trigger points. My serratus anterior has knots and theres barely any muscle!!

Def on board with the fascia theory after my experience with my pec minors

People with one side of their rib thats constantly elevated need to look at their lower body or mild scoliosis. My left (elevated rib side) leg appears shorter and i walk with a slight limp. Ive gotta figure that out

Do you know how to tell the sps from rhomboids?

It looks to me, like the serratus is underneath the rhomboids, and the trapezius covers the rhomboids, so it's like three layers of muscle there.

On the topic of spasms, anyone have any ideas (at all) on how to get them to release and stay released for any amount of time?
I have several spots that I call my "permaknots" because even when they release, they're back within hours and back to the same degree in less than 2 days. The only person who seems to make any difference with them is my physical therapist but she's getting very frustrated that she can't get them to go and stay gone.
Insurance isn't going to allow me to go to PT indefinitely and my PT doesn't want to keep treating me if I'm not making any progress. I had a rheumatologist tell me to drink tonic water every night but that is not recommended while I am breastfeeding and I intend on getting pregnant in the relatively near future (with no current plans on weaning) so that's just not an option at this point.
Every doctor I've been to seems against any medication so muscle relaxants aren't on the table.
Any techniques, homeopathic remedies, or therapies that may help? I'm willing to try about anything!

LL&T,

Have your ribs been evaluated by someone experienced in rib mobilization since your surgery? Your ribs may be way out of alignment which can definitely cause permaknots.

Sounds like good news that you feel well enough to start planning for another pregnancy so soon. I don't know how you've managed this ordeal while caring for your current infant. Props

I don't even know where to start to find someone experienced in rib mobilization. My PT is not very good, but I can no longer drive and I honestly just don't have the money to drive more than 15 minutes to PT. My options are limited with my current insurance. The knots have been there for many years prior to surgery and haven't changed since surgery so, while I'm sure surgery didn't help matters, I'm also sure it didn't cause them.
Thanks for the props :-) I have a lot of family support and her father really picks up the slack. My (now 17 month old) toddler is absolutely fantastic so she really doesn't cause any issues for me. I'm looking to get pregnant in about another year when my insurance is better and money matters are in order. With my issues, sooner is better than later regardless of how I'm feeling if I want another child. Oh, the things we sacrifice for our offspring :-P
Anyway, I'll ask about my ribs to my PT. If she's not sure what to do she won't touch me. I'm also currently seeing another doctor about Ehlers Danlos and scoliosis so I'll be getting sent to a chiropractor soon anyway that may be able to help in that area I would assume?