Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Documentation of myofascial trigger points.

A A Fischer1

  • 1Veterans Administration Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|April 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Simple instruments can quantitatively measure myofascial trigger points (TPs) and treatment effects. Objective data on tenderness, tissue consistency, and muscle activity aid diagnosis and management of TPs.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Injection techniques in the management of local pain.

Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation·2014
Same author

Algometry in the daily practice of pain management.

Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation·2014
Same author

Sterile water for whiplash syndrome.

Lancet (London, England)·1993
Same author

Diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain.

The Mount Sinai journal of medicine, New York·1991
Same author

Effects of warming imagery aimed at trigger-point sites on tissue compliance, skin temperature, and pain sensitivity in biofeedback-trained patients with chronic pain: a preliminary study.

Perceptual and motor skills·1990
Same author

Specific inhibition of the synthesis of influenza virus late proteins and stimulation of early, M2, and NS2 protein synthesis by 3-deazaadenosine.

Virology·1990

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  • Pain Management

Background:

  • Myofascial trigger points (TPs) present diagnostic challenges.
  • Objective, quantitative assessment of TPs is needed for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe quantitative diagnostic features of TPs using simple instruments.
  • To demonstrate objective measurement of TP-related pain sensitivity and tissue changes.
  • To illustrate how treatment effects can be objectively monitored.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized pressure threshold meters (algometers) to assess TP tenderness and sensitivity.
  • Employed tissue compliance measurements to quantify soft tissue alterations.
  • Used universal clinical dynamometers to measure muscle weakness.
  • Applied thermography for heat imaging of TPs and muscle activity.

Main Results:

  • Pathologic TP tenderness indicated by a side-to-side pressure difference exceeding 2kg.
  • Tissue compliance measurements objectively documented soft tissue abnormalities like taut bands and nodules.
  • Thermography revealed characteristic hot spots over TPs and increased heat emission from active muscles.
  • Decreased muscle pressure tolerance below bone tolerance suggested myopathy.

Conclusions:

  • Basic diagnostic features of TPs, including tenderness and tissue consistency, are quantitatively measurable.
  • Objective assessment tools can document TP characteristics and monitor treatment efficacy.
  • Quantitative methods enhance the clinical evaluation and management of myofascial pain conditions.

Related Experiment Videos