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.
Find a Trigger Point Professional in your area
Dry Needling for Trigger Points
Certify as a Trigger Point Therapist
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.
The Gold Standard in Continuing Education and Online Training
Massage Therapy, Sports Massage, Strength and Conditioning, Stretching, Mobilisation and Manipulation, Cranio-Sacral Therapy, IMS Dry Needling, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Trigger Point Therapy, IASTM, Resistance Training, Bowen Therapy, Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, Podiatry, Oncology Massage, Sports Nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Somatic Therapy, Prenatal Bodywork and Massage, Anatomy, Biomechanics, Clinical Reasoning, Pilates, and Yoga.
Multi-column
Continuing Education
Great courses at inflation-busting prices. You won't find better value anywhere.
NAT Diploma Courses
NAT Self-Paced Diploma courses are designed to help you boost your career.
Membership
Get unlimited access to all online CE/CPD courses, live events, webinars and more.
Best Selling Therapy Tools
Ask a Health Question or Start a Conversation
