ALGOMETRY IN EVALUATION OF TRIGGER POINTS AND REFERRED PAIN

Objectives: The purpose of this report is to review clinical literatur e concerning the application of pressure algometer [PA] in the assessm ent of myofascial trigger points [MTrPs]. Findings: Results are presen ted on diagnosis of active and latent MTrPs, their taut bands and refe rred pain. Pressure algometer has been used to document the tenderness of MTrPs. It was also applied to measure the referred pain threshold and pain tolerance. The reliability and validity of measurements with PA have been established. The therapeutic effectiveness of various pro cedures on MTrPs have been assessed by the measurement of pressure thr eshold with algometry. Conclusions: Pressure algometer is a valuable a nd reliable instrument in the assessment of MTrPs sensitivity. It has been used successfully for the evaluation of MTrPs, to confirm the dia gnosis, and to quantify irritability. Therapeutic effectiveness of var ious procedures on MTI Ps can be quantified by algometry.