Table 1.

The characteristic features of a myofascial trigger point

1. Focal point of tenderness to palpation of the muscle involved

2. Reproduction of pain complaint by trigger‐point palpation (about 3 kg pressure)

3. Palpation reveals an induration of the adjacent muscle (the “taut band”)

4. Restricted range of movement in the muscle involved

5. Often pseudo‐weakness of the muscle involved (no atrophy)

6. Often referred pain on continued (~5 sec) pressure over trigger point

Adapted from Bennett et al 200717

Key: kg = kilogram, sec = seconds