Trigger Points (TrP)

Question 1

What is the definition of a Trigger Point?

Answer 1

A trigger Point is a Hyperirritable spot, usually within a taut band of skeletal muscle or its Fascia.
It is point tender on site and often exhibits a Predictable pain referral and Causes a Shortening of the Affected muscle.

Question 2

What are the types of Trigger points?

Answer 2

Active trigger points, Latent Trigger points.

Question 3

What is the Theory of why Trigger points occur?

Answer 3

It is though that a damaged SR would allow for Calcium to spill onto the Sarcomeres and create a uncontrolled Sustained contraction called a (Contracture).

Question 4

What is a Contracture?

Answer 4

This is a Uncontrolled Sustained contraction of the affected Sarcomeres from the Spilled Calcium of the torn SR.

Question 5

What is a Local Twitch Response of a muscle?

Answer 5

This occurs from Palpation of a Affected muscle.

Question 6

How are Trigger points classified?

Answer 6

They get classified based on their Symptoms and locations.

Question 7

When is the Local Twitch response greater in the muscle containing the (TrP)?

Answer 7

It is greater as the Transverse palpation is closer to the (TrP) location in the taut band.

Question 8

What is a Referred Autonomic Phenomena?

Answer 8

This is Vasomotor changes with compression of trigger points and hyperaemia with inactivation of trigger points.

Question 9

What is a Latent Trigger point?

Answer 9

It is a trigger point with all the characteristics of a Active trigger point but produces pain only when palpated.

Question 10

What is a Satellite Trigger point?

Answer 10

It is found in muscles that lie within the referral pattern of another trigger point.

Question 11

Why are Trigger points Idiopathic in nature?

Answer 11

The theory is that an (Initial trauma) occurs to the muscle, Such as an Acute strain.
This overloads some of the muscle fibers giving rise to a trigger point.

Question 12

When do Active trigger points occur in a person’s life?

Answer 12

These occur in the more active years of a persons life.

Question 13

When do Latent Trigger points occur in a persons life?

Answer 13

They occur more often in a persons later years of life.

More sedentary.

Question 14

What is Direct Stimuli related to a Trigger point?

Answer 14

These are things that can activate the trigger point.

Includes things such as Trauma, Acute muscle overload, Overwork fatigue and chilling of the muscle.

Question 15

What is Direct Stimuli related to a Trigger point?

Answer 15

These are things that can activate the trigger point.

Includes things such as: Trauma, Acute muscle overload, Overwork fatigue and chilling of the muscle.

Question 16

What is a Indirect Stimuli related to a Trigger point?

Answer 16

These are things that can activate a trigger point.

Including things such as: referred pain from other trigger points, Referred visceral pain and emotional stress.

Question 17

What are additional Specific factors that can help activate Latent Trigger points?

Answer 17

1: Leaving the muscle in a shortened position for several hours.
2: Shortening Activation during treatment.

Question 18

How does the number and Severity of Perpetuating factors affect the Latent trigger point?

Answer 18

It increases the likelihood of a latent trigger point becoming active when it is directly or indirectly stimulated.

Question 19

What is Mechanical Stress related to a latent trigger point?

Answer 19

This includes things such as Bony Asymmetries that directly or indirectly shorten muscle tissue.

Question 20

What is Nutritional inadequacies related to a latent trigger point?

Answer 20

This is when a Latent trigger point becomes active form low Vitamin b, c or folic acid.

Question 21

What is Metabolic Imbalances related to a latent trigger point?

Answer 21

Things such as Hyperthyroidism, gout can activate Latent Trigger points.

Question 22

What is Psychogical Factors related to a latent trigger point?

Answer 22

Depression or Anxiety can help activate latent trigger points.

Question 23

What is Chronic infection related to a latent trigger point?

Answer 23

Viral and bacterial infections can increase the chance of Latent trigger points being activated.

Question 24

What is Impaired Sleep related to a latent trigger point?

Answer 24

This helps lead to anxiety and muscle tension.

Question 25

What are things you can observe in a client with Active trigger points?

Answer 25

Antalgic Gait may be present if the lower torso / Limb is affected.
Affected posture.
May have painful face expression.
Postural Assessment may present perpetuating factors.

Question 26

What does a Healthy Muscle not have related to Trigger points?

Answer 26

A healthy muscle does not contain Trigger points, taut bands of Fibers and tenderness are not present.
There is also no referred pain or twitch response of the muscle.