College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What is true about trigger points?

1. They only exist in one muscle

2. A trigger point can activate another in a different muscle

3. They can be stretched easily

4. They are always painful

The correct answer is: A trigger point can activate another in a different muscle

A trigger point is a hyperirritable spot in a muscle that can cause localized pain and refer pain to other areas of the body. The characteristic of trigger points that makes option B accurate is that they possess the ability to activate other trigger points, even in different muscles. This interconnectedness is significant as it highlights how a problem in one muscle can lead to pain and dysfunction in another, illustrating the complexity of muscular and fascial systems in the body. In clinical practice, understanding this concept is essential for effective assessment and treatment. For instance, a therapist might notice that a patient experiences pain in one area, but upon examination, the source of the discomfort might be found in a different muscle that has an associated trigger point. The incorrect options reflect misunderstandings about the nature of trigger points. While some trigger points may be localized to a single muscle, many can refer pain to distant regions, which makes the first option misleading. Stretching of trigger points is often challenging, as they are sensitive and typically require specific techniques to release rather than simply being stretched easily, contradicting the third option. Lastly, while trigger points are frequently associated with pain, they are not always painful; some individuals may have trigger points that do not cause discomfort unless activated, which makes