1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Physical Therapy

Trigger Point

by Laura Inverarity, D.O.
for About.com

Updated June 17, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: A trigger point describes a taught band of skeletal muscle located within a larger muscle group. Trigger points are tender to the touch and can refer pain to distant parts of the body. Patients may have regional, persistent pain resulting in a decreased range of motion in the affected muscles. Massage, spray and stretch, and injections are a few techniques to decrease trigger point pain.
Also Known As: muscle spasm, muscle knots
Explore Physical Therapy
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Physical Therapy
  4. Glossary & Definitions
  5. Trigger Point - Definition of Trigger Point>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.