Reliability of the pressure algometer as a measure of myofascial trigger point sensitivity.

Three studies are presented demonstrating the reliability of the pressure algometer as an index of myofascial trigger point sensitivity. The first study showed high reliability between and within experimenters when measuring marked trigger point locations. In study 2, significant between experimenter reliability in locating and measuring the same unmarked trigger point locations was shown, while study 3 supported the idea that trigger points are discrete points of focal tenderness within the muscle. The ability to quantify and reliably measure trigger point sensitivity opens the door to a range of clinical and research possibilities for myofascial and related musculoskeletal pain problems.