Myofascial Trigger Points

Question 1

What are Trigger Points?

Answer 1

A point of exquisite tenderness at a nodule in a palpable taut band with a specific referral pattern.

Question 2

Characteristics of TrPs?

Answer 2

• Deep, diffuse, burning, tightening, tingling, or pressure pain.
• Pain can spread cranial, caudal, ventral, dorsal.
• Referral intensity dependent on degree of TrPs activity
• TrPs may have similar referral to other pain patterns.

Question 3

What is the classification of Trigger Points?

Answer 3

• Latent TrPs

- Active TrPs

Question 4

What are the characteristics of Latent TrPs

Answer 4

• Only painful when mechanically stimulated
• Don’t cause spontaneous pain/referral
• Provoke ms weakness, motor dysfunction, inhibition, ms cramps

Question 5

What are the characteristics of Active TrPs

Answer 5

• Cause spontaneous pain (locally/distinct pattern)
• Symptomatic at rest
• Can mimic other pathologies pain
• Can refer like nerve related pain

Question 6

Causes of TrPs?

Answer 6

• Low level muscle contractions (walking, typing)
• Direct Trauma
• Muscle imbalance
• Intramuscular pressure distribution

Question 7

What is the mechanism for TrP formation?

Answer 7

Insufficient ATP (Energy crisis hypothesis)