William Huhn Method - Trigger Point Therapy and Educational Services

07/05/2025

MOVING BEYOND DABBLING:
THE CASE FOR COMPREHENSIVE TRIGGER POINT THERAPY

In clinical practice, trigger point therapy is often used superficially—applied as a technique rather than integrated as a system of assessment and treatment. This “dabbling” approach typically involves brief manual intervention on obvious taut bands or symptomatic areas, without a structured evaluation of causal chains, referral patterns, or perpetuating factors. While short-term symptom relief is common, these isolated interventions frequently fail to address the complexity of chronic myofascial dysfunction, leading to temporary outcomes or misattribution of unresolved pain.

A comprehensive approach, by contrast, is methodical and diagnostic. It recognizes trigger points not as isolated anomalies, but as manifestations of systemic imbalance, biomechanical overload, neuromuscular inhibition, or psychosomatic stress. This model involves full-body palpation strategies, movement assessment, detailed pain histories, and a nuanced understanding of referral maps and central sensitization. Crucially, it considers perpetuating factors—ranging from postural habits and ergonomic stressors to nutritional deficiencies, poor sleep habits, and emotional holding patterns. True trigger point therapy is not just a tool—it’s a clinical lens. Practiced comprehensively, it moves us beyond symptomatic care into functional restoration and long-term resolution.

When practiced comprehensively, trigger point therapy becomes a foundational framework rather than a standalone technique.
By educating patients/clients on the nature of referred pain, load management, and lifestyle contributors, we empower them to become active participants in their recovery. This collaborative process not only improves outcomes but also fosters patient trust and adherence. When presented with complex chronic pain presentations, a deep, system-based approach to trigger point therapy is not just more effective—it’s NECESSARY.
It demands clinical curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to going beyond symptomatic treatment to achieve sustainable, functional change.

---

05/11/2025

Avoid seed oils as much as possible.
You'd be surprised with how many processed foods include these not-so-good-for-you refined oils.

This article is part of the Research TopicDietary Patterns and Oxidative Stress: Implications for Obesity, T2D, and Cancer ManagementView all 5 articles

04/28/2025

🔴 The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle (highlighted) is often traumatized during a whiplash or concussion event.
This can result in TrPs forming, and consequently cause a variety of symptoms such as:

dizziness,
balance problems,
dry chronic cough,
excess sinus secretions,
drooping eyelid,
reddening of the eye(s),
excessive tearing,
stuffiness in the ear(s),
headaches,
migraines,
proprioceptive issues,
and some post-concussion symptoms.

🔺If you’re suffering from any of the above, and you’ve had a concussion or a whiplash injury, you may want to get those SCMs checked for trigger points.
Note: TrPs can also form from ongoing physical stress to these muscles.

If you’d like to know more about your SCM or the effects of TrPs to any other muscles, give us a shout - we’d be happy to discuss your case.

Thanks for your time.

Illustration credit: Essential Anatomy 5

02/09/2025

Some wonderful memories of the past Trigger Point workshops from around the world.

We are planning more for this May and June (2025) in Toronto Ontario, Halifax NS, and St. John's NL.

Email us know if you would like more info or to be on the notification list!
info@triggerpoint.ca

Cheers

02/03/2025

Worth further studies.

New research shows that avoiding the preservatives parabens & phthalates for just 28 days reverses cancer-related changes in breast tissue.

The study was published in Chemosphere.

Researchers analyzed breast tissue samples before and after a 28 day period, revealing significant reversals of cancer-associated phenotypes. These changes included alterations in key cellular pathways such as PI3K-AKT/mTOR, autophagy, and apoptotic signaling, which are all linked to cancer development.

The study suggests that even short-term avoidance of these chemicals may have a measurable impact on breast tissue at the molecular level.

Parabens and phthalates are widely used as preservatives and fragrance enhancers in cosmetics and personal care products, but they also act as xenoestrogens — synthetic compounds that mimic estrogen in the body.

Since estrogen plays a role in breast cancer development, reducing exposure to these chemicals may help lower the risk of cancer-related cellular changes. This research underscores the importance of choosing products free from harmful endocrine disruptors and highlights a potential preventive strategy against breast cancer.

Learn more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36746253/ #:~:text=Breast%20Cancer%20Over%20Time%2C%20San%20Francisco%2C%20CA%2C,USA.%20*%20PMID:%2036746253.%20*%20DOI:%2010.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138014.

01/14/2025

ADHD COULD INDICATE
LOW MONOAMINE OXIDASE (MAO)

Dopamine Regulation:
Dopamine Dysregulation in ADHD: People with ADHD often have altered dopamine signaling, leading to issues with attention and impulse control.

Role of MAO: MAO breaks down dopamine after it has served its purpose in synaptic transmission. Low MAO activity might lead to higher dopamine levels in certain areas, potentially causing imbalances.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity:
Increased dopamine and norepinephrine activity from low MAO might contribute to the impulsivity and hyperactivity observed in ADHD.

Emotional Regulation:
Serotonin, regulated by MAO, is crucial for mood and emotional stability.
Low MAO activity might exacerbate emotional dysregulation often seen in ADHD.

It’s possible that LOW monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity could also contribute to the complex presentation someone is experiencing, particularly PTSD, psychosis, and abreactions (intense emotional responses to past traumatic events).

If you suspect you may have low MAO, you should try avoiding certain foods for at least 1 month. See if you notice any improvements.

Foods rich in amines, particularly biogenic amines such as histamine, tyramine, and phenylethylamine, can affect people with low monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity. These compounds are found in various foods, especially those that are aged, fermented, or highly processed. Here's a breakdown:

High-Histamine Foods:
1. Fermented Foods:
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Miso
- Soy sauce
- Pickled vegetables

2. Aged Cheeses:
- Parmesan
- Cheddar
- Blue cheese
- Swiss

3. Cured or Aged Meats:
- Salami
- Pepperoni
- Prosciutto
- Smoked fish (e.g., mackerel, herring)

4. Alcohol:
- Beer (especially draft)
- Wine (red and sparkling)
- Champagne

5. Other Sources:
- Dried fruits (e.g., raisins, apricots)
- Vinegar-containing products (e.g., ketchup, mustard)

---

High-Tyramine Foods:
1. Protein-Rich Foods:
- Aged or cured meats
- Fermented sausages
- Liver (chicken, beef)

2. Fermented Beverages and Foods:
- Certain beers
- Soy-based products (e.g., tofu, soy sauce)

3. Certain Fruits:
- BANANAS (especially overripe)
- Avocados (especially very ripe)

---
Phenylethylamine-Rich Foods:
- Chocolate and Cocoa Products
- Certain Aged or Fermented Cheeses

---
Other Amine-Rich Foods:
- Fish that has not been freshly caught (e.g., tuna, mackerel)
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Eggplant
- Tomatoes (especially concentrated forms like paste or sauce.

If you suspect low MAO may be causal to the above symptoms, it may be well worth trying a low amine diet. The improvements can be profound.

Thanks for your time.

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Wishing everyone a safe and healthy 2025.

Our office will reopen on Jan.7/25

08/21/2024

Yes there's a doctor shortage here in B.C. and across Canada - but we could also use a whole lot more nurse practitioners (NPs).
They provide virtually all services a doctor provides with few exceptions.

A nurse practitioner can:
- Act as the primary care provider for you and your family, similar to a family physician
- Help you manage and improve your physical and mental health
- Conduct medical and physical assessments
- Order and interpret tests, such as medical imaging and bloodwork
- Diagnose medical conditions
- Prescribe medications and write orders
- Complete disability, ICBC, WorkSafeBC, and extended health benefits forms
- Conduct minor procedures such as intrauterine device (IUD) insertion, removal of lesions, and tissue biopsies
- Refer you to medical specialists of any type
- Work with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, mental health counsellors and other providers to ensure you receive the best care
- Work in a hospital and more specialized settings across a continuum of care

Nurse practitioners are available in many communities across B.C. To get matched with a nurse practitioner or family doctor in your community, register with the Health Connect Registry. Once registered, the team in your community will get in contact with you when a provider becomes available.

Having had first-hand experience with a few NPs, I can honestly say they are AWESOME medical professionals!

07/22/2024

POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME

Interestingly, virtually all medical websites do NOT include muscle trauma (especially trigger points) when siting causes of post-concussion syndrome (PCS).

Post-concussion syndrome is a complex disorder. The symptoms often include headaches and dizziness.
These symptoms can last for weeks and sometimes months after the injury that caused the concussion.

I have successfully treated several clients who have been suffering with post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
These clients were complaining of headache, dizziness/vertigo, and blurry vision.

For the brain to be concussed, there is typically a concomitant traumatic event to the neck – the neck muscles have essentially suffered a whiplash injury.

Treatment begins with a client consultation to confirm the medical diagnosis and rule-out any other potential brain/CNS concerns or contraindications. I treat post-concussion syndrome as a whiplash injury – actually, I prefer using the term “whiplash syndrome”. If you compare PCS and Whiplash signs/symptoms, there is more than a few similarities.

Trigger points are usually found in the following muscles – sternocleidomastoid (SCM), splenius capitis, suboccipitals, levator scapulae, upper trapezius, and scalenes. I might also treat any trigger points that are often found in the temporalis and masseter muscles.
The results can be impressive.
One teenage soccer player (a client of mine) who suffered a concussion during a game had cessation of PCS symptoms after one treatment.
Other clients received 2 or 3 treatments before remedying the PCS.

I know these few clinical results do not confirm anything conclusive, but I’d be willing to bet that most folks who are suffering from post-concussion syndrome would have similar results; at least when it comes to the vision, headaches, and dizziness symptoms.

I’d be interested to know if any other body work professionals have had similar successes.

Thanks for your time.
William

---------
The following is from the Mayo Clinic website.

Post-concussion symptoms include:
Headaches
Dizziness
Fatigue
Irritability
Anxiety
Insomnia
Loss of concentration and memory
Ringing in the ears
Blurry vision
Noise and light sensitivity
Rarely, decreases in taste and smell
Post-concussion headaches can vary and may feel like tension-type headaches or migraines. Most often, they are tension-type headaches. These may be associated with a neck injury that happened at the same time as the head injury.

06/16/2024

AVOID vegetable oils.
Toxic and pro-inflammatory.

Spend a few minutes to watch this video.

Get the Highest Quality Electrolyte https://euvexia.com . Wondering what the most health and least healthy cooking oils are? You have probably heard the wr...

05/26/2024

STRONG BONES
Regular exercise plays a pivotal role in enhancing bone strength and density, crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing osteoporosis. When we engage in weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, or resistance training, our bones experience mild stress, prompting them to adapt by becoming denser and stronger over time. This process, known as bone remodeling, helps to fortify bones, making them less prone to fractures and injuries. Additionally, exercise stimulates the production of hormones like growth hormone and testosterone, which further aid in bone formation. By incorporating regular physical activity into our routines, we not only bolster our bone health but also improve our balance, coordination, and overall quality of life.

Osteoporosis poses a particular concern for women due to factors such as hormonal changes during menopause, which can accelerate bone loss. As women age, especially after menopause, the rate of bone resorption (breakdown) exceeds the rate of bone formation, leading to decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures. Regular exercise is especially crucial for women in combating osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises and strength training not only help to maintain bone density but also improve balance and coordination, reducing the likelihood of falls and fractures. Additionally, adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, along with a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, are essential for minimizing the risk of osteoporosis in women. By prioritizing exercise and adopting a bone-healthy lifestyle, women can significantly reduce the impact of osteoporosis on their quality of life as they age.

And please keep your muscles healthy and TrP-free, so they can allow you to exercise effectively!

Thanks for your time :)

Click my CoPilot link https://go.mycopilot.com/instituteofhumananatomy to get 14 days FREE with your own expert fitness and health coach!____How Your Bones C...

04/30/2024

CN X

The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve (CN X), plays several crucial roles in the body. It's the longest and most complex of the cranial nerves, extending from the brainstem to the abdomen, and it's involved in a variety of important functions, including:

PARASYMPATHETIC CONTROL: The vagus nerve is a major component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" responses. It regulates various bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and glandular activity.

HEART FUNCTION: The vagus nerve helps regulate heart rate by transmitting signals to the heart that can slow it down during periods of relaxation or low activity. This helps maintain cardiovascular function and stability.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM REGULATION: The vagus nerve innervates many organs of the digestive system, including the stomach, pancreas, liver, and intestines. It plays a role in stimulating stomach acid secretion, promoting gastrointestinal motility (movement), and controlling the release of digestive enzymes.

RESPIRATORY FUNCTION: The vagus nerve influences respiratory rate and depth by sending signals to the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles. It helps regulate breathing patterns to ensure adequate oxygenation of the body.

VOICE PRODUCTION: The vagus nerve provides motor innervation to the muscles of the larynx (voice box), which are crucial for speech and vocalization.

INNERVATION OF ORGANS: Beyond the heart and digestive system, the vagus nerve also innervates other organs and structures in the body, including the spleen, kidneys, and some blood vessels.

REGULATION OF INFLAMMATION: Recent research has shown that the vagus nerve plays a role in modulating inflammation through the "cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway." Activation of the vagus nerve can help reduce inflammation in the body, which has implications for various diseases and conditions.

Overall, the vagus nerve is essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body and regulating many vital functions, making it a critically important component of the nervous system.