I have to agree with Bravocosta. In my (admittedly limited) experience I've found that most "trigger points" and "knotted muscles" seem to be caused by a more proximal problems. And (I'm sorry to generalize as this is generally considered the cardinal sin) tend to respond well to mobs of the appropriate spinal level. I have experienced many patients claiming that certain mobs at the corresponding spinal level causes the pain to "switch on and off". Gentle rhythmic mobs relieved the more distal muscular pain/knot/trigger point and combined with regular stretches to firmly break the pain-spasm cycle. I would appreciate opinions on the possible mechanism of this re. ?merely pain-gate at nerve root or ?"freeing up" nerve root.