Trigger Point Therapy Flashcards
1
Q
Characteristics of Trigger Points
A
- Are a hyperirritable spot
- Are usually painful upon compression
- Refer pain in a predicable pattern
- Cause a shortening of the affected muscle
- Decrease contractile ability (create weakness)
- Usually found within a taut band of skeletal muscle or it’s fascia.
- May also be found ligaments, joint capsules, and periosteum
2
Q
Characteristics of Referral Pain
A
- Occurs typically distal to the activated/palpated trigger point
- Is reported by clients as dull and achy, or as a burning sensation
- Is rarely accompanied by numbness and tingling
- Disappears by resolving the trigger point
3
Q
Characteristics of Active Trigger Points
A
- Produce pain when the affected muscle is at rest or moving
- Create referral pain upon being palpated or during contraction or stretching of the affected muscle
- Cause a shortening of the affected muscle
- Decrease the ability of the affected muscle to fully contract, causing weakness
- Prevent affected muscle from fully lengthening
- Cause a local twitch response in client
- Are not likely to resolve on their own
4
Q
5 Types of Trigger Points
A
- Active
- Latent
- Primary
- Secondary
- Satellite
5
Q
Characteristics of Latent Trigger Points
A
- Usually are not noticed as painful until palpated/activated
- Decrease the ability of the affected muscle to fully contract
- Prevent affected muscle form fully lengthening
- More common than active trigger points
- May persist for years after an injury
- May become active if overuse, overstretching, or chilling of the affected muscle occurs
6
Q
Characteristics of Primary Triggers Points
A
- Found in the AGONIST muscle
- May be activated by acute or chronic mechanical strain as well as overload of the affected muscle
7
Q
Characteristics of Secondary Trigger Points
A
- Found in overworked synergist or antagonist muscles
8
Q
Characteristics of Satellite Triggers Points
A
- Found in muscles that lie with the referral zone of primary or secondary trigger points
9
Q
Difference Between Tender Points and Trigger Points
A
Are painful upon palpation, but do not create referral pain
10
Q
Perpetuating Factors that Activate Latent Trigger Points
A
- Mechanical stress, including bone asymmetries
- Postural stress
- Muscle constriction
- Nutritional imbalances
- Metabolic imbalances
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Psychological factors
- Chronic infections
- Impaired sleep
- Allergies
- Sudden increase in activity
11
Q
The 2 Ways of Palpating Trigger Points
A
- Flat Palpation (cross fiber sweeps)
- Pincer Grasp
12
Q
General Protocol Prior to Trigger Point Therapy
A
- Communications
- Resting Position
- Initial Warming
- Fascial Techniques
- Joint Mobilizations
- Clearing
- Deeper Warming
13
Q
The 2 Techniques for Treating Trigger Points
A
- Ischemic Compression
- Muscle Stripping
14
Q
Technique for Locating Trigger Points
A
- Use fast muscle stripping in the direction of the muscle fiber at a speed of 3 to 6” per second
- As an alternative to fast muscle stripping, use palpation
- Observe for local twitch response
- Allow client to guide you
15
Q
Ischemic Compression Technique
A
- Pin the trigger point against underlying structures
- Produce discomfort between 4 and 5
- Hold for 10 to 12 seconds and then ask when there’s referral pain (marker of a true trigger point)
- If pain decreases, hold compression until clients feel no pain or referral pain
- If pain doesn’t decrease, slowly release compression
- Superficially smooth out area
- Stretch treated muscle to restore it length
- Address referral zone for about 10 seconds to discourage the development of satellite trigger points
