Trigger Points

by Gary A Clark, myotherapist

Trigger points are the most common cause of chronic muscle pain.

Active Myofascial Trigger Point : Is a small area of hyperirritable muscle and/or fascia that forms a lump or ropy band within the muscle tissue, and which causes pain. The pain may be caused while at rest or in use. The pattern of referred pain is consistent for that muscle. A muscle harboring active trigger points is tender, weakened and prevented from full lengthening, normally causes referred pain when compressed, can cause a local twitch response in the tight fibers when snapped transversely. When sufficiently stimulated will cause the referred pain pattern to be present. It may also cause autonomic phenomena, e.g. pain in internal organs, weakening of internal muscles including sphincters, goose bumps.

Latent Myofascial Trigger Point: is similar to an active trigger point except .that it does not cause pain until stimulated by palpation or excessive work.

Satellite Myofascial Trigger Point: is a trigger point (TP) that only became active because it is surrounded by pain from another source, such as an active trigger point.

Secondary Myofascial Trigger Point: is a trigger point in muscle or fascia that became active because it was overloaded as a synergist to a muscle with active TPs or as an antagonist to a muscle that is shortening because of active TPs.

The authorities on myofascial trigger points are Drs Travell and Simons, and their Trigger Point Manual is an essential reference for all health professionals dealing with chronic pain.

about the author: Gary A Clark is a myotherapist and founder of Pain Busters Clinic, where he helps his clients find lasting relief from their chronic muscle pain. For more information or to make an appointment phone Gary Clark at Pain Busters Clinic (Western Australia) 9472 3852 or 0402 945 700