Pressure Algometer: An Effective Diagnostic Tool to Identify Latent Myofascial Trigger Points

Abstract

A review of the available literature on latent myofascial trigger points is presented in this paper, including their,causes, and diagnosis criteria, and emphasized knowledge about the pressure algometer. A search of multiple databases was used in order to gather review information, including Google scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, BMC,Elsevier, and Springer. Myofascial pain syndrome, myofascial trigger points, pressure algometer, and a combination of these terms were searched. The titles and abstracts of all articles were reviewed. Our research included reading the full texts and checking the reference lists of relevant papers. The diagnosis of a latent myofascial trigger point is basically made by using physical examination, ultrasonography, and pressure algometers to determine pain thresholds. From a review of the previous studies, we observed that the pressure algometer is a very useful, reliable, and inexpensive device to identify myofascial trigger points as compared to ultrasonography. Many authors recommend using this device. Key Words – Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Pressure Algometer, Myofascial Trigger Points, Pain Pressure Threshold