Medical Pioneers - Travell and Simons
Janet G Travell, M.D (1901-1997) and David G Simons M.D. (1922-2010) are considered true medical pioneers in their research and study of myofascial pain and trigger points. Dr Travell's extensive research began in the 1950's, focusing on the misdiagnosis of pain. Twenty years into her research, in 1963, Travell met David Simons, a medical physician who was at the time working at the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine in San Antonio, Texas, helping develop in-flight medical monitoring. Simons was inspired by a two day seminar on myofascial trigger points given by Janet Travell, who was also the personal physician to the US president John Kennedy. Travell &Simons collaborated and after years of combined study, the joint, comprehensive Travell and Simons Trigger Point Manuals were published in 1983. These remain the leading authority on Trigger Points and their treatment and have now been translated into 12 different languages.
Recommended Reading - Clair Davies
The Travell and Simons manuals are not for the layman as they are highly detailed and full of medical terminology. If you are looking to self treat or want a good grounding in Trigger Point Therapy The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook, Your Self-treatment Guide for Pain Relief; by Clair Davies is highly recommended. Clair Davies was at the pinnacle of his career as a piano technician when a shoulder problem forced him to cease work. Desperate to resolve the pain, he located the Travell and Simons manuals and studied them day and night. He successfully self-treated and cured his own pain and dedicated the rest of his life to not just treating others but writing a book ito help spread the word on this incredibly effective form of treatment. It is a simplified but informative version of the Travell & Simons manuals, clearly illustrated and can be used by anyone wishing to treat their own pain.