Myofascial Trigger Points

Question 1

What are the 3 diagnostic criteria for MFTP?

Answer 1

1. Reproduction of familiar pain upon palpation of tender point in taut muscle band
2. Local twitch response with snapping palpation
3. A jump sign

Question 2

Is a sensitive spot in a muscle an MFTP if it refers pain to a predictable place?

Answer 2

Nope.

Must have jump sign & twitch response.

Question 3

Which trigger points should you treat first?

Answer 3

• most proximal
• most medial
• most painful

Question 4

How many MFTP should you treat in one session?

Answer 4

Maximum 5

Question 5

How intense should the pt pain be during MFTP treatment?

Answer 5

Between a 5 and a 7

Question 6

Ischemic compression of MFTP produces what response in the tissue?

Answer 6

Reactive hyperemia

Question 7

The three steps for effective treatment are:

Answer 7

1. Restore normal muscle length
2. Inactivate MFTP
3. Eliminate causes / perpetuating factors

Question 8

What is the muscle position for Nimmo MTFP treatment?

How long do you hold each MFTP?

Answer 8

Relaxed

3-7 seconds

Question 9

In Nimmo technique, which trigger points do you treat first?

What must you do after treatment?

Answer 9

Satellites

Stretch muscles

Question 10

In Travell technique, what is the muscle starting position?

How long do you hold each point?

Answer 10

Stretched up to 20%

Hold pressure 10-60 seconds

Question 11

What must you do after treating MFTP with Travell?

Answer 11

Apply moist hot pack

Active stretch

Question 12

What happens after MFTP treatment?

Answer 12

• stretch with full ROM at least 3 cycles
• moist heat pack recommended
• patient should avoid straining that muscle the rest of the day

Question 13

What are home care treatments for MFTP?

Answer 13

• foam rolling
• massage cane
• tennis ball

Question 14

What are other options for MFTP treatment besides Nimmo or Travell?

Answer 14

• spray and stretch
• PIR
• percussion
• dry needling / injection
• high power ultrasound

Question 15

What are MFTP?

Answer 15

Many contracted sarcomeres and muscle fibers in a specific spot

Question 16

What is the cause of MFTP?

Answer 16

Persistent sarcomere contractions caused by uncontrolled release of calcium ions from ruptured sarcoplasmic reticulum in response to muscle lesions.

Question 17

What aggravates MFTP?

Answer 17

• strenuous muscle use
• quick stretching of muscle
• holding muscle in shorted position for a long time
• exposure to clod drafts, especially when fatigued

Question 18

What decreases MFTP pain?

Answer 18

• short periods of rest
• slow, steady lengthening of muscle
• moist heat
• short periods of light activity

Question 19

What is the difference between an active and a latent trigger point?

Answer 19

• active = symptom producing

- latent = does not trigger pain unless stimulated