Trigger Point Talk - An Introduction to Myofascial Pain Syndrome

I am sure that many of you have heard of (and experienced) myofascial trigger points. They are those nasty little painful spots in muscles that refer pain into other areas, cause your muscles to feel weak and tired, and generally make you want to cry!

As a massage therapist, I loooove trigger points, because they are fun to locate and release. It is so satisfying to find one hiding within a taut muscle. You can often tell they are there, because the tissue will give a little jump when you land right on the trigger point. The skin around a trigger point can also break out in goosebumps or sweat, and if you palpate one bang on, the referred pain pattern can flare up too, like a beacon saying "here I am - come and get me!" But I am certain that most of you do not share my sentiment!

Myofascial trigger points are extremely common. One research article (Drugs. 2004) states that an estimated 44 million Americans suffer from myofascial pain. Pain of musculoskeletal origin, (which includes trigger point pain) is reportedly the main cause of disability in the working-age population, and one of the leading causes of disability in other age groups as well. (Am Fam Physician. 2003 Jan 1)

Muscle stress due to acute strain, repetitive overuse, direct chilling and direct trauma seem to be major factors in development of active trigger points. (South Med J. 1984)

You can probably have a trigger point in any muscle in the body, but they do occur more commonly in the muscles of the neck, shoulder, and pelvic girdle.

Trigger point pain is often misdiagnosed as joint or nerve pain (South Med J. 1984), due to its referring nature, and the fact that it is not at the forefront of a physicians mind when making a quick diagnosis!

Trigger points can cause tension headaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), jaw pain, low back pain, and torticollis (Am Fam Physician. 2003 Jan 1). They can mimic the pain and symptoms of sciatica, tennis elbow, arthritis, and even angina. (These are just a few examples, not a complete list)

Trigger points can be effectively treated by massage therapy, and you can even treat them yourself by applying gentle pressure to the trigger point, and then stretching and/or mobilizing the muscle(s) out after. (You can search for a trigger point by palpating around the tender area until you feel a spot that increases your pain. Then back off your pressure a little and hold until the pain disappears)

Home care is important to prevent re-occurrence. Applying heat to the area following treatment is important. A hot bath is great! Simple stretch, range of motion and strengthening exercises for involved muscles helps to keep them healthy and avoid reactivation of trigger points. It is also important to avoid chilling the area following treatment, as cold can flare them up again!

2007 Denise Mackinnon RMT

Denise Mackinnon is a registered massage therapist and health and wellness advocate. You can sign up for her free "simple health ideas" ezine by going to http://www.denisemackinnon.com

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