Charts
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are trigger point charts used for?
Trigger points are tender "knots" in the muscles, usually formed after acute trauma or repetitive micro-injuries that stress the muscle fibers. These trigger points are very common, can occur within any muscle, and often refer pain away from the real problem - all of which makes them difficult to treat without an explanatory chart. No matter how experienced a therapist is, there is simply too much to memorize. Patients can show you the painful (referral) area on the trigger points chart on your wall and you can easily and quickly identify where intervention is needed. You can also use a trigger point poster to educate your clients or justify a treatment series.
How do I read a reflexology chart?
Hand and foot reflexology charts can be described as maps that use different colored areas to highlight the different parts of the body they correspond to. This color coding makes body parts easier to identify and is also helpful for teaching. For instance, it helps to know that the right limb corresponds to the right part of the body and the left limb is associated with the left side. Reflexology charts can show a therapist exactly which part of the toes and fingertips correspond to areas on the head and neck; or that applying techniques towards the heel or wrist can help alleviate issues in the lower back area. Note: A proper reflexology foot chart also includes top and lateral (inside and outside) views of the right and left feet, not just the soles. Choose one from the International Institute of Reflexology, the only school licensed to teach the Original Ingham Method.
What is the purpose behind charting posture?
When you have a client stand in front of a postural analysis chart, you can easily notice subtle variations by comparing their body to the grid pattern behind them. This helps therapists develop comprehensive treatment plans and educate patients regarding their existing postural distortions. By periodically taking photos of the same client in front of a posture poster, you can visually document their progress. You can use any phone to take these pictures, with no special software needed, and you can show clients, physicians, and insurance companies the positive impact of the treatment. For increased assessment and documentation efficiency, some posture analysis grid charts also come with a plumb bob kit, which is very useful in measuring deviations.
Do acupuncturists depend on anatomy charts?
Acupuncturists have extensive knowledge of the human body and study acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine for years before getting a license. Since there are over 300 WHO standard acupuncture points on the human body, acupuncture and anatomy charts are indispensable in this practice. By combining acupuncture with aromatherapy, the treatment efficiency is increased, which is why acupuncturists may also have in their office an Aromatherapy Quick Reference Guide Chart that they can consult whenever needed. Besides a spinal nerves poster, a human anatomy chart, and a trigger point poster, other learning aids that are useful for acupuncturists and massage therapists include anatomical models, postural charts, and test preparation materials. The latter improves the memory of anatomical structures via flashcards and workbooks.
With so many essential oil options, how do I keep them straight?
Besides anatomy charts and posters, another learning aid that would be useful to have on your office wall is an Aromatherapy Quick Reference Guide Chart. This would not only help explain to clients what aromatherapy is and how it can support their healing process but also serves as a handy guide to you as a therapist. The aromatherapy guide also lists all necessary safety precautions when handling essential oils, as well as tips for purchasing and storing them properly. Another extremely useful piece of information it contains is detailing how to use and dilute essential oils for different purposes, such as massage, inhalation, diffusion, and bath. The latter is a method you won't use in your office, but you can recommend it to clients for skin care and to soothe their body aches, colds, and stress.