The impact of latent trigger points on regional muscle function

• Published in: Current pain and headache reports Vol. 12; no. 5; pp. 344 - 349
• Main Author: Lucas, Karen R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Current Science Inc 01.10.2008; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Brachial Plexus Neuritis - physiopathology; Humans; Internal Medicine; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Motor Neurons - physiology; Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology; Myofascial Pain Syndromes - physiopathology; Neurons, Afferent - physiology; Pain Medicine; Rotator Cuff; Subacromial Impingement; Muscle Afferents; Trigger Point; Spindle System
• ISSN: 1531-3433; 1534-3081
• DOI: 10.1007/s11916-008-0058-6

To date, most investigation of latent myofascial trigger points (LTrPs) has occurred in pain populations. Many have thought that LTrPs are clinically relevant as potential precursors to developing active myofascial trigger points and spontaneous pain. Nociceptive substances have been found in greater concentrations at LTrP sites compared with non-TrP sites, indicating the potential for group III and IV afferent fibers to provide input to the central nervous system from affected peripheral sites. Fatigue and neurophysiologic studies provide evidence as to the pathways via which group III and IV afferents can alter activity of the motoneuron pool and therefore affect muscle activation and performance. This article offers suggestions as to the mechanisms via which LTrP-related pathophysiology may explain the clinical examination findings associated with LTrP-containing and functionally related muscles.