What is a tender point myofascial trigger point?

A tender point myofascial trigger point refers specifically to an area in a muscle or connective tissue that is painful when pressure is applied but does not necessarily cause pain to radiate to other areas of the body. This characteristic is crucial for understanding how these trigger points operate in the context of muscle pain and discomfort. Such tender points can be palpated and are often associated with localized discomfort rather than widespread pain or muscle spasms.

For instance, distinguishing between a tender point and other types of trigger points is important. While a tender point itself is primarily painful when touched, other types of trigger points may exhibit different behaviors, such as causing muscle spasms or radiating pain to other regions. Therefore, the clarity of what constitutes a tender point aids practitioners in diagnosing and targeting specific areas within their treatment strategies.