New Developments in Diagnosis of Myofascial Pain and Fibromyalgia

Variability of Criteria Used to Diagnose Myofascial Trigger Point Pain Syndrome—Evidence From a Review of the Literature

“…21,22,28,43,49,[51][52][53]61,62,81,82 The most commonly cited publication referencing diagnostic criteria for MTrPS was ''The Trigger Point Manual'' 105,106 referenced by 57 papers (Table 5), but used correctly by only 12 of them. Only one applied the exact combination of criteria reported by Travell and Simons as essential for diagnosing MTrPS, 93 and a further 11 used the essential criteria in combination with 1 or 2 other criteria, described explicitly 6,31,67,68,72,81,83,84,87,113 or implicitly. 33,79 The combination of criteria recommended by Simons was the most commonly applied 107 (Table 3combination A).…”

“…In an attempt to improve diagnostic sensitivity, Simons et al 5 have made further changes to the diagnostic criteria by adding ''Nodule in a taut band'' and ''painful limitation to movement.'' 5 These modifications 113,114 These criteria have also evolved in response to evidence from diagnostic interrater reliability studies 6,88 ; and Fischer's own work testing the reliability of algometry measurements, 115,116 supported by similar work from Jaeger and Reeves. 34, 100 Fischer's most recently published criteria for MTrPS diagnosis are: ''tender point in a muscle,'' ''patient pain reproduction on tender point palpation,'' ''pressure algometry reading at tender point at least 2 Kg/ cm 2 lower than at nontender points,'' and ''alleviation of pain by infiltration of local anesthetic.''…”

Efficacy of 904 nm gallium arsenide low level laser therapy in the management of chronic myofascial pain in the neck: A double‐blind and randomize‐controlled trial

“…MPS is characterized by acute or chronic specific pain affecting a small number of muscles and involving single or multiple ''trigger points'' that are usually located in tight bands within the affected muscles [1]. These trigger points (TP) are hypersensitive to pressure and produce a local twitch and referred pain within a defined reference area [2,3]. It has been proposed that acute or chronic muscle stress may be an initiating factor in MPS.…”

Chronic Pelvic Pain: An Integrated Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment

“…The exact location of pain should be mapped to see if it corresponds to the distribution of the ilioinguinal or genitofemoral nerves. An evaluation of the anterior abdominal wall should be performed to identify tender points (pain with pressure) and trigger points (localized areas of deep muscle tenderness in a tight band of muscle) (27)(28)(29). Trigger points can be mapped with a pen for therapeutic injection (Fig.…”