Myofascial trigger points are prevalent in both migraine and tension-type headaches. However, their role in the pathophysiology of each disorder and to what degree is unclear.

Myofascial pain management and trigger point therapy represent a dynamic field aimed at alleviating neuromuscular pain stemming from hyperirritable nodules within taut muscle bands.

What role do trigger points play in therapy?—MOLLY HOGAN, NP, Sausalito, Calif. Myofascial trigger points are thought to mediate vascular and muscular tone in the areas they affect.

Trigger points causing myofascial pain develop at the neuromuscular junction. There, a release of acetylcholine depolarizes the muscle and triggers calcium release and contraction of the sarcomeres.

While the formal term “myofascial trigger point” was coined in the 1950s, research investigating the underlying causes and effective treatments is relatively new.

What are muscle knots? The knots you detect in your muscle, which may feel as small as a marble or even as large as a golf ball, are called myofascial trigger points.

The tender points in the myofascial fibromyalgia patient relax and are shut down just like the trigger points in neuromyofascial pain.

We used two observers in this study with identical clinical experience and post-graduate training on myofascial trigger point therapy.

Discover how to release trapezius knots with effective techniques. Learn about self-massage and stretching exercises for trapezius muscle tension relief.

Myofascial trigger points tend to develop when a muscle is irritated by a new or more strenuous-than-usual repetitive motion.