What distinguishes active myofascial trigger points from latent ones?

Active myofascial trigger points are defined by the presence of pain even when the muscle is at rest. This characteristic differentiates them from latent trigger points, which typically do not produce pain unless they are pressed or stimulated in some way.

Active trigger points can create spontaneous pain or refer pain to other areas in the body, making their effects more noticeable and often more disruptive to daily activities. Latent trigger points, on the other hand, may lie dormant and not produce significant discomfort until they are activated through palpation or muscular strain.

This distinction is crucial for clinicians when assessing muscle pain and designing treatment plans, as addressing active trigger points may require different therapeutic approaches compared to managing latent ones.