title: Etiology of myofascial trigger points.
abstract: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is described as the sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms caused by myofascial trigger points (TrPs). Knowing the potential causes of TrPs is important to prevent their development and recurrence, but also to inactivate and eliminate existing TrPs. There is general agreement that muscle overuse or direct trauma to the muscle can lead to the development of TrPs. Muscle overload is hypothesized to be the result of sustained or repetitive low-level muscle contractions, eccentric muscle contractions, and maximal or submaximal concentric muscle contractions. TrPs may develop during occupational, recreational, or sports activities when muscle use exceeds muscle capacity and normal recovery is disturbed.
authors: Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. carelbron@mac.com
authors: Carel
authors: C
authors: Bron
authors: Jan D
authors: JD
authors: Dommerholt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009209:Myofascial Pain Syndromes / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D061028:Trigger Points / Q000503:physiopathology*