Hi all

A trigger point is a hyperiritable spot commonly found in skeletal muscle however, trigger points can also be found in tissues other than skeletal muscle including tendons, ligaments & joint capsules, skin / fascia & periosteum.

A trigger point generally feels like a nodule / knot when it is palpated. Trigger points can also be classified as latent or active. A latent trigger point is a trigger point that only causes pain when prodded on. It does not cause pain during normal activities. An active trigger point will cause pain (generally reffered pain) with normal activities even without being palpated.

Trigger points are generally found within the area of the origin, belly, insertion or any free boarder of a muscle.

Trigger points can cause local pain, referred pain, tenderness, reduce ROM (prevent full lengthening of the muscle) & can be associated with premature fatigue and reduced strength.

Ischemic compression (60-90secs), Positional Release Technique, Pin & Stretch & Dry Needling are some of the methods I have found to be effective in the deactivation of trigger points.

Also in responce to the question of weather taping would work for trigger points, taping would most likely not be very effective in deactivating trigger points. However, trigger points can form due to overload of structures/muscle, therefore if taping was to correct the cause of the overload (biomechanical abnormality/inefficieny) taping could aid in the removal of trigger points.

Hope this information helps.

Bobby
SPORTS THERAPIST