December 17 marked Dr. Janet Travell’s birthday. This is my tribute to her.
Dr. Janet Travell (1901-1997) was an American physician and medical researcher. Inspired by her doctor father she decided to study medicine at an early age. She became a renowned cardiologist, eventually changing her career to study muscle pain.
Pioneer in Myofascial Pain
Travel loved studying chronic myofascial pain. < This is why she is my professional shero > Her 2-volume textbooks, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction : The Trigger Point Manual, co-authored by Dr David G Simons were ground breaking in their day. They are still used by doctors, dentists, and manual therapists today.
Not only does the textbook teach all about trigger points but adds in perpetuating factors - posture, stress, vitamin deficiency and limb imbalance. This helps teach why a pain might have come on or keeps reoccurring.
Physician to the President
When John F. Kennedy won the presidency in 1960 he appointed Travell as his personal physician. She became the first female appointed as the personal Physician to the President. Kennedy had many pains and one of Travell's treatments included using a rocking chair to help alleviate back pain, which led to the popularization of the furniture piece in America. The rocker even traveled on Air Force One.
The personal side of Travell
A few years ago I read Dr. Janet Travell’s autobiography. I was impressed with Travell’s personal drive to learn and diversity of talents. She graduated medical college in 1926 and through the years was an ambulance surgeon, instructor in pharmacology, a cardiologist, the first female physician to the president (JFK), a clinical professor, and a writer. She had a passion for exercise and the outdoors, especially camping, swimming and tennis.
Influencing Current Professionals Still
I learned about her and grew to respect and admire her due to her trigger point work on myofacial pain. I’ve studied from those who were taught by her. I’m impressed how her work has spread to doctors, manual therapists like myself, and dental professionals. Basically, she is my smart Shero. Achieving personal, professional and mothering greatness!
— Katie Pudhorodsky, LMT
My online video course Self Help to Relieve Head, Neck & Jaw Pain at Help Head Pain is based on Travell’s work. Learn self-massage, stretches, habit changes, and basic airway involvement. I can teach you self relief you can do at home. See the full course and get the FREE video lesson to start learning.
Are you in the dental or medical field? Get my free training Jaw Muscle Review Relating to TMD & Headaches for you and your staff.
