Referred pain elicited by palpation and by needling of myofascial trigger points: a comparison.

Abstract

To investigate the occurrence of referred pain (ReP) elicited by palpation (Pal-ReP) or by needle injection (Inj-ReP) of myofascial trigger point (MTrP), and to assess the correlated factors, including the pain intensity of an active MTrP and the occurrence of local twitch response (LTR). Correlational study. Ninety-five patients who were treated with MTrP injections. MTrP injections. Pain intensity of MTrP and occurrence of Pal-ReP, Inj-ReP, and LTR. Both Pal-ReP and Inj-ReP were elicited in 53.9% of MTrPs, Inj-ReP, but not Pal-ReP, was elicited in 33.7% of MTrPs. Both Pal-ReP and Inj-ReP were unobtainable in 12.3% of MTrPs. The occurrence of ReP was significantly correlated to the pain intensity of active MTrP and the occurrence of LTR. ReP could be elicited more frequently by needling than by palpation. The frequency of occurrence in ReP mainly depends on pain intensity of an active MTrP.