Trigger Point Release for Headaches - Frontalis
Ischemic Compression Technique
The epicranius is essentially two muscle gasters with a strong fascial connection between them called the galea aponeurotica.
Spasm in muscles such as the hamstrings (e.g. biceps femoris) or the plantar fascia can cause tightness through this area, ultimately causing tension in the head and neck, or headaches.
Tension anywhere along the posterior back-line kinetic chain can lead to shortening of the galea aponeurotica, resulting in tension headaches and a hyperextended cervical spine.
This can result in a posteriorly tilted pelvis in order to provide a level eye view when walking or running, and is a recipe for myofascial trigger point formation.
Pain from these trigger points is typically referred upward from the frontalis over the forehead on the same side.
The occipitalis can also refer pain into the eyeball or behind the eye, and can travel down behind the ear and into the nose.
Sensitivity to sound and light are often reported, with a resulting increase in experienced pain.
Occipitofrontalis (Epicranius) - Common Trigger Point Sites
Origin
Occipitalis: lateral two-thirds of superior nuchal line of occipital bone. Mastoid process of temporal bone.
Frontalis: galea aponeurotica.
Insertion
Occipitalis: galea aponeurotica (a sheet-like tendon leading to frontal belly).
Frontalis: fascia and skin above eyes and nose.
Action
Occipitalis: pulls scalp backward. Assists frontal belly to raise eyebrows and wrinkle forehead. Frontalis: pulls scalp forward. Raises eyebrows and wrinkles skin of forehead horizontally.
Nerve
Facial V11 nerve. BASIC FUNCTIONAL
Movement
Example: raising eyebrows (wrinkling skin of forehead horizontally).
Indications
Headache, pain (back of head), cannot sleep on back/pillow, earache, pain behind eye/eyebrow/ eyelid, visual activity, “jumping text” on reading black and white print, squinting, wrinkly forehead, tension headache, pain above eye.
Causes
Anxiety, overwork, lifestyle, computer use, wrong glasses, frowning.
Differential Diagnosis
Scalp tingling. Greater occipital nerve entrapment.
Connections
Suboccipital muscles, clavicular division of SCM, semispinalis capitis, zygomaticus major, platysma, scalenes, posterior neck muscles, eye muscles.
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This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is intended for educational purposes within the context of continuing education for massage therapists, continuing education for athletic trainers, continuing education for physical therapists, continuing education for chiropractors, and continuing education for rehabilitation professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reflect current understanding at the time of publication, practitioners must always work within the legal scope of their professional practice and follow all regional regulatory guidelines.
Hands-on techniques and clinical applications described in this material should only be performed by appropriately trained and licensed professionals. Individuals experiencing pain or symptoms should be referred to a qualified healthcare provider for assessment. Niel Asher Education is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this content.
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