Glossary

Below are definitions for some commonly used terms found throughout this site.​

Fascia

Fascia is the soft tissue component of the connective tissue that provides support and protection for most structures within the human body by connecting muscle to muscle.  The fascia can become restricted due to emotional stress, overuse, trauma, infection or inactivity, often resulting in pain, muscle tension and even diminished blood flow.

Ligament

A ligament is the fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones.

​Soft Tissue

Soft tissue refers to tissues in the body that connect, support, or surround other structures and organs.  Soft tissue includes tendons, ligaments fascia, skin, fibrous tissues and muscles. 

Tendon

A tendon is a tough band of fibrous connective tissue that connects muscle to bone.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull (located in front of the ear on each side of your head). The joints are flexible thanks to an articular disc positioned between the two bones that form the joint, allowing the jaw to move up and down and side to side with ease. Muscles attached to and surrounding the joint control the position and movement of the jaw.

Trigger Point

Janet G. Travell, MD, defined a trigger point, or TrP, as a hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band. The spot is tender when pressed and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, motor dysfunction, and autonomic phenomena.

In the image to the right, trigger points are marked with an "x" and their referred pain patterns are shown in red.​