What is the key focus of the Trigger Point Model?

The key focus of the Trigger Point Model is centered around the concept that trigger points are specific areas in skeletal muscle tissue that are hyperirritable and can produce pain in other parts of the body, leading to myofascial pain syndromes. The identification and treatment of these trigger points are essential for alleviating pain and restoring normal function. This model emphasizes the relationship between muscle tightness, the localization of pain, and the role of trigger points in contributing to overall discomfort and dysfunction.

Understanding this model is significant for practitioners, as it allows them to target specific areas for treatment—using techniques like dry needling—to relieve muscle tension and improve patient outcomes. This focus on muscle dysfunction and its effects on pain distinguishes the Trigger Point Model from other considerations, such as environmental stressors, joint alignment, or psychological factors. While those factors can influence overall well-being and might intersect with musculoskeletal issues, the core of the Trigger Point Model revolves specifically around the physiological mechanisms of trigger point-induced pain.