Trigger Points: Difference between revisions

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First the exact location of the trigger point should be palpated.<br>Trigger points may be relieved through noninvasive measures, such as spray and stretch, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, physical therapy, and massage. <ref name="3">Kenneth, P., et al. ‘Ultrasound-Guided Trigger Point Injections in the Cervicothoracic Musculature’, Pain Physician, 2008, 11, pg. 885-889</ref><br>Several studies have shown that ultrasound can help to treat trigger points, this treatment is very often followed by massage using transverse friction. <ref name="2">Arne, N., et al. ‘Treatment of myofascial trigger-points with ultrasound combined with massage and exercise – a randomised controlled trial’., 1998, 77 pg. 73-79</ref>&nbsp;Massage can cause the soft tissue back and that the different sarcomeres in the muscle of each other loose.  
First the exact location of the trigger point should be palpated.<br>Trigger points may be relieved through noninvasive measures, such as spray and stretch, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, physical therapy, and massage. <ref name="Kenneth 2008">Kenneth, P., et al. ‘Ultrasound-Guided Trigger Point Injections in the Cervicothoracic Musculature’, Pain Physician, 2008, 11, pg. 885-889</ref><br>Several studies have shown that ultrasound can help to treat trigger points, this treatment is very often followed by massage using transverse friction. <ref name="Arne 1998">Arne, N., et al. ‘Treatment of myofascial trigger-points with ultrasound combined with massage and exercise – a randomised controlled trial’., 1998, 77 pg. 73-79</ref>&nbsp;Massage can cause the soft tissue back and that the different sarcomeres in the muscle of each other loose.  


Apart from these various methods can also be used invasive methods such as injections.  
Apart from these various methods can also be used invasive methods such as injections.  


It is very important to inject the right place. For this, a study demonstrated that placing an injection using an ultrasound can help. Echo Conductive trigger point injections may help for proper placement of the needle into the muscle. <ref name="3" /><br>
It is very important to inject the right place. For this, a study demonstrated that placing an injection using an ultrasound can help. Echo Conductive trigger point injections may help for proper placement of the needle into the muscle. <ref name="David 2002" /><br>


== Key Research  ==
== Key Research  ==

Revision as of 23:19, 24 May 2011

Welcome to Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Evidence-based Practice project. This space was created by and for the students in the Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy program of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!!

Original Editors -Sean Wauters

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Search Strategy[edit | edit source]

Keywords : Trigger points AND therapy AND/OR injection AND/OR exercise

Consulted databases : Pubmed, Pedro, Web of Knowledge

Definition/Description[edit | edit source]

Trigger points are swollen and hyperirritable spots located in a taut band of skeletal muscle. It is a small part of the muscle that contracts and not the entire muscle. They produce local pain and can often accompany chronic musculoskeletal disorders.

Clinically Relevant Anatomy[edit | edit source]

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Epidemiology /Etiology[edit | edit source]

Trigger points may be at different places in both skeletal muscles in the hip, neck, shoulder, ... they are usually in places where nerves connected the muscle fibers. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
These are mainly due to overload, an injury sustained by a fall, by stress or birth trauma. Also a lack of exercise or a bad posture can lead to trigger points. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title Trigger points have proven bone or myofascial pain Causes That are Responsible for neck and back pain.

Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Trigger points are painful on compression or elongation of tissues and can also cause referred pain in a specific dermatomal and myotomal pattern. This could be possible by clamping the nerves or blood vessels bulge. The higher and continuing tension in the muscle can also be experienced stiffness and movement restrictions. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title

Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

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Diagnostic Procedures[edit | edit source]

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Outcome Measures[edit | edit source]

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Examination[edit | edit source]

The study of trigger points can be recorded by palpation. The examintor will clearly able to sense a hardening and concern with the patient reported tenderness or pain during palpation.

Medical Management
[edit | edit source]

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Physical Therapy Management
[edit | edit source]

 There are several methods for the treatment of trigger points.


First the exact location of the trigger point should be palpated.
Trigger points may be relieved through noninvasive measures, such as spray and stretch, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, physical therapy, and massage. [1]
Several studies have shown that ultrasound can help to treat trigger points, this treatment is very often followed by massage using transverse friction. [2] Massage can cause the soft tissue back and that the different sarcomeres in the muscle of each other loose.

Apart from these various methods can also be used invasive methods such as injections.

It is very important to inject the right place. For this, a study demonstrated that placing an injection using an ultrasound can help. Echo Conductive trigger point injections may help for proper placement of the needle into the muscle. [3]

Key Research[edit | edit source]

add links and reviews of high quality evidence here (case studies should be added on new pages using the case study template)

Resources
[edit | edit source]

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Clinical Bottom Line[edit | edit source]

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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]

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References[edit | edit source]

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  1. Kenneth, P., et al. ‘Ultrasound-Guided Trigger Point Injections in the Cervicothoracic Musculature’, Pain Physician, 2008, 11, pg. 885-889
  2. Arne, N., et al. ‘Treatment of myofascial trigger-points with ultrasound combined with massage and exercise – a randomised controlled trial’., 1998, 77 pg. 73-79
  3. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named David 2002