Manual compression at myofascial trigger points ameliorates musculoskeletal pain

Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), which are sensitive spot located taut bands in the muscle, are potential causes of musculoskeletal pain. Epidemiological studies showed significant relationships between presence of MTrPs and musculoskeletal pain in the neck, shoulder, low back, knee, etc., and the relationships between presence of MTrPs and disability in the life. These findings suggest that MTrPs may not only cause musculoskeletal pain, but also modulate (enhance) pain induced by primary organic disorders. Recent clinical trial studies reported that compression at MTrPs, which is one of manual therapy techniques, is effective to ameliorate musculoskeletal pain in various parts of the body. This chapter discusses beneficial effects of compression at MTrPs on musculoskeletal pain, and underlying mechanisms of MTrP compression effects.