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

What treatment approach is essential for addressing an active trigger point effectively?

1. Trigger points within the referral pain pattern

2. Treat all satellite trigger points in the agonist muscles

3. Trigger point release in the agonist and antagonist muscles

4. Trigger point release in the agonist, antagonist and synergists

The correct answer is: Trigger point release in the agonist, antagonist and synergists

The treatment approach that focuses on releasing trigger points in the agonist, antagonist, and synergist muscles is essential for addressing an active trigger point effectively. This is because trigger points can create discomfort not only in the muscle where they are located but can also affect associated muscle groups due to the interconnected nature of muscular and fascial systems. When active trigger points are present in an agonist muscle (the primary muscle involved in a movement), they can lead to compensatory patterns where antagonist muscles (which oppose the agonist) and synergists (muscles that assist in the same movement) may also develop trigger points due to increased tension or altered movement patterns. By addressing trigger points in all three types of muscles, the treatment can help restore normal muscle function, reduce pain, and improve mobility. This comprehensive approach ensures that the entire kinetic chain surrounding an active trigger point is considered, which is key in effective treatment and preventing the recurrence of pain. A more isolated treatment on just the agonist or even including only antagonists or synergists does not provide the same level of care and understanding of muscle dynamics and their roles in movement and pain patterns. Thus, the inclusion of all relevant muscle groups is crucial for thorough management of trigger points.