Prevalence of Myofascial Trigger Points in Brachioradialis, Biceps Brachii, Triceps Brachii, Supinator and Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis in Lateral Epicondylitis

Abstract

Introduction– Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a myalgic condition in which muscle and
musculotendinous pain are the primary symptoms. Some muscles are likely to develop Myofascial trigger
points in cases of lateral epicondylitis and become possible cause of mainstay of symptoms. Hence the
study was undertaken to find the prevalence of myofascial trigger points in such muscles.
Methodology & Results – 40 individuals aged between 20-50 years fulfilling the inclusion criteria were
selected for the study with acute and chronic lateral epicondylitis. Brachioradialis, Biceps Brachii, Triceps
Brachii, Supinator and Extensor carpi radialis brevis were checked for the presence of trigger point by
palpation. Pressure algometer was used to check the pain threshold of each point. When the subject reports
feeling pain the action of pressure is stopped and reading is recorded.
Results showed a higher prevalence in females than males. The most prevalent area for trigger point was
the brachioradialis followed by biceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis, triceps brachii and the least prevalent
was the supinator.
Conclusion - This study provides that the relation between myofascial trigger points in lateral epicondylitis
is relatively high especially in Brachioradialis, It also shows that latent trigger points don’t lead to severe
functional disability.