Myofascial Trigger points are tight tender bands of muscle. They can be found throughout the body, however due to common exercise, posture and stress symptoms, they are more noticeable in areas around the upper back and neck. This blog will cover what a Myofascial Trigger Point actually is, the different types, symptoms and treatment.
What is a Myofascial Trigger Point
Myofascial trigger points are defined as localised areas of tenderness that can be felt within a tight band of skeletal muscle fibres. These points are often sensitive when pressure is applied and can reproduce pain patterns that are familiar to the individual. The sensation is typically described as a deep aching pain and may also be associated with muscle tightness or stiffness. Research into muscular tenderness and referred pain patterns has been documented as early as 1843, with continued studies and clinical research being conducted to the present day to better understand the mechanisms behind trigger point development and pain referral.
Myofascial trigger points are commonly referred to by the general public as “knots”, although this does not mean that the muscle fibres are literally knotted. They are instead hyper‑irritable spots found within tight bands of muscle, which can cause stiffness and discomfort.
Types of Trigger Points
- Latent (Passive) Trigger Points
Latent trigger points do not normally cause spontaneous pain. However, they can produce muscle stiffness, restricted movement, and a reduced active range of motion (AROM) when the muscle is used or palpated.
- Active Trigger Points
Active trigger points produce recognisable pain without external pressure and may cause an individual to become aware of discomfort during normal movement or muscle contraction.
What causes Myofascial Trigger Points
- Poor posture is one of the most common contributing factors, particularly when muscles are placed under prolonged stress due to incorrect body positioning.
- Other causes may include a lack of regular exercise, muscle overuse, sudden overexertion, or the misuse of muscles during daily activities or sporting performance.
- Repetitive movements and muscular imbalances can also place excessive strain on specific muscle groups.
- Other factors, such as stress and sleep disruption, may also contribute to the development of trigger points.
Symptoms
Individuals may experience increased discomfort during cold weather, during or after sleep, or following periods of prolonged inactivity. Symptoms can also arise after muscle overuse, strain, or trauma to the affected area. In many cases, individuals report tenderness, localised pain, stiffness, or a reduced range of movement in the affected muscle.
One of the key characteristics of trigger points is referred pain, where discomfort is experienced in an area distant from the trigger point itself. In addition to pain, individuals may also experience tenderness or a reduced range of movement in these secondary areas. This occurs due to the complex relationship between the muscular and nervous systems, where sensory signals from the affected muscle are interpreted by the nervous system as pain in another region of the body.
Additionally, if the local area is warm to the touch, increased fatigue or muscle weakness in the surrounding area may also be experienced.
Myofascial Trigger Point release
Myofascial Trigger point release is a great method that physiotherapists and sport massage use to provide short term benefit, however a change in movement pattern will provide longer relief. Within physiotherapy and sports massage, trigger point release has been shown to aid in:
- Pain reduction
- Reducing tight or tender muscles
- Reducing the effects and frequency of migraines and headaches
- Altering blood flow, which may help nutrient delivery to the surrounding tissues
However, these benefits are typically short term, often lasting only a few days. In some cases, due to a gradual return to normal muscle use, individuals may experience longer lasting effects.
If you would like to speak to a physiotherapist or book in for a sports massage then please get in touch. Book an appointment online.
