Trigger Points Flashcards
Trigger Point Definition
hyperirritable point within a taut band of skeletal muscle, localized in muscle tissue or associated fascia
painful on compression and evokes a characteristic referred pain pattern and autonomic phenomena
Trigger Point Locations
Muscle Scar tissue Tendons Ligaments Skin Fat Pads Capsules Periosteium
Classification of Trigger Points
Active
Latent
Satellite
Active Trigger Point
Pain @ rest
Does not need palpation for pain
Loss in ROM
Latent Trigger Point
Silent from pain unless pressure is applied
May restrict ROM or cause weakness
Satellite Trigger Point
Develops in same muscle as primary trigger point
Trigger Point S/S
Referred pain
Dull aching pain
deep intensity varies
does NOT follow sclerotome, myotome or dermatomal patterns
Problems caused by Trigger Points
Appendicitis Hiccups Arthritic knee and hip pain Inguinal pan Chest pain in atypical angina patterns Jaw/TMJ pain Diarrhea Muscle Spasm Dizziness Occipital Neuralgia Dysmenorrhea Sciatica Epicondylitis Tension Headache Facial Neuralgia Tooth pain Fibromyositis Vertigo Heel Spur Vomiting
Causes of Trigger Points
Activated by acute overload, overwork, fatigue, trauma or chilling
Activated by other trigger points, visceral diseases, arthritic joints, emotional stress
TP can change from latent to active
TP Essential Criteria
Palpable taught band
Exquisite spot tenderness
Patient pain recognition
Painful ROM at end range
TP Confirmatory Criteria
Local twitch response
Local twitch response with needle penetration
Referred pain pattern
Spontaneous EMG activity with needle approaching active TP
Trigger Point Pressure Techniques
Ischemic Compression
Trigger Point Release w/ Elongation
Strain/counter-strain
Ischemic Compression
1) Find TP
2) Apply pressure until pain
3) Maintain pressure until <50%
4) Increase pressure until pain
5) Hold for 90 seconds
Trigger Point Release with Elongation
1) Find TP
2) Apply pressure until pain
3) Maintain pressure until <50%
4) Passively elongate muscle until pain
5) Maintain until <50%
6) Passively elongate again until pain/max elongation
Strain-Counterstrain
1) Find TP
2) Passively shorten muscle until no pain
3) Hold for 90 seconds
