Which statement best defines latent myofascial trigger points?

Which statement best defines latent myofascial trigger points?

• A. Active triggers have no spontaneous pain
• B. Latent triggers have no spontaneous pain
• C. Latent triggers always cause pain at rest
• D. Active triggers never cause a jump sign

Answer: (B)

Latent myofascial trigger points are tender spots in a taut muscle band that do not cause spontaneous pain. They remain painless at rest and only hurt when they are palpated or provoked, though they can still limit range of motion or cause local tenderness. That’s why the statement calling latent triggers free of spontaneous pain is correct. Active trigger points, by contrast, produce pain without pressing on them and often refer pain to other areas, which is why the other statements aren’t accurate. Active points can also trigger a jump sign during examination, showing pain elicited by palpation, so saying they never cause a jump sign isn’t correct.

Latent myofascial trigger points are tender spots in a taut muscle band that do not cause spontaneous pain. They remain painless at rest and only hurt when they are palpated or provoked, though they can still limit range of motion or cause local tenderness. That’s why the statement calling latent triggers free of spontaneous pain is correct. Active trigger points, by contrast, produce pain without pressing on them and often refer pain to other areas, which is why the other statements aren’t accurate. Active points can also trigger a jump sign during examination, showing pain elicited by palpation, so saying they never cause a jump sign isn’t correct.