Almost every type of muscular ache or pain is caused or affected by untreated or unresolved "trigger points", localized tender spots in muscles. The understanding and treatment of these points can lead to rapid, effective, and long-lasting pain relief. Trigger point therapy is a powerful tool in the management of both acute and chronic pain, including such common problems as headaches and lower back pain. Written in a straightforward, non-academic style, The Concise Book of Trigger Points is designed for the student and practitioner of massage / bodywork, physical therapy, physiotherapy, osteopathy, sports therapy, and any other health-related field. It functions both as an entry-level textbook and a powerful reference guide for even the most experienced therapist. The first four chapters provide a sound background to the physiology of trigger points, and the general methods of treatment. The six chapters that follow are organized by muscle groups; each two-page spread features detailed colour illustrations of each major skeletal muscle, accompanied by an explanation of each muscle's origin, insertion, action, and function. In addition, the author discusses the physiological implications of the trigger points in each muscle, and techniques for treatment.

The new edition contains updated text and a self-help section addressing the most common pain complaints, including headache, neck pain, shoulder pain, lower back pain, and TMJ syndrome.