The Diaphragm and Breathing - Trigger Point Therapy

How To Assess and Influence Your Breathing 

Abnormal breathing mechanics may be one of the key factors in the development of chronic myofascial trigger points throughout the body

Trigger point therapy can be a useful tool in releasing the musculoskeletal component of respiratory dysfunction and is especially useful when combined with other modalities, such as yoga, Feldenkrais, meditation, the Buteyko method and “breath therapy.”

Nothing in the body happens in isolation, and an exploration of breathing mechanics exemplifies this. 

Breathing involves many sequences of coordinated muscular and visceral co-contractions.

Trigger points can often be palpated along the anterior inferior costochondral margin.

These trigger points should be contextualized with other relationships such as:

• Submandibular inferior margin (often on the opposite side to the diaphragm trigger points)

• Abdominal visceral fascia (greater and lesser omenta)

• Spinal muscles (especially mid lumbar)

• Abdominal muscles (especially transversus and rectus abdominus)

• Pelvic floor muscles (pelvic diaphragm)

• Thoracic spine and rib mobility

• Intercostal muscles

• Serratus musculature

• 1st rib mechanics

• Scalenes, levator scapulae, and upper trapezius

Breathing patterns are often abnormal. Hyperventilation syndrome, panic attacks, and postural habit are increasingly diagnosed.

If untreated, these syndromes also have ongoing physiological consequences, such as respiratory alkalosis (too much carbon dioxide is exhaled by over-breathing).