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Published in:

01-10-2011

Latent Myofascial Trigger Points

Authors: Hong-You Ge, Lars Arendt-Nielsen

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports | Issue 5/2011

Abstract

A latent myofascial trigger point (MTP) is defined as a focus of hyperirritability in a muscle taut band that is clinically associated with local twitch response and tenderness and/or referred pain upon manual examination. Current evidence suggests that the temporal profile of the spontaneous electrical activity at an MTP is similar to focal muscle fiber contraction and/or muscle cramp potentials, which contribute significantly to the induction of local tenderness and pain and motor dysfunctions. This review highlights the potential mechanisms underlying the sensory-motor dysfunctions associated with latent MTPs and discusses the contribution of central sensitization associated with latent MTPs and the MTP network to the spatial propagation of pain and motor dysfunctions. Treating latent MTPs in patients with musculoskeletal pain may not only decrease pain sensitivity and improve motor functions, but also prevent latent MTPs from transforming into active MTPs, and hence, prevent the development of myofascial pain syndrome.

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Title: Latent Myofascial Trigger Points
Authors: Hong-You Ge
Lars Arendt-Nielsen
Publication date: 01-10-2011
Publisher: Current Science Inc.
Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-011-0210-6

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Latent Myofascial Trigger Points

Abstract

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