This text introduces the underlying mechanisms, clinical implications, and treatment of myofascial trigger points. The text is a combination of original work and chapters previously published or adapted from published papers, by professionals in physical therapy, medicine, and osteopathy from seven countries. Emphasis is placed on scientific literature, with an overview of all published reliability studies on identification of myofascial trigger points, and balanced discussion of areas of the trigger point concept where scientific evidence is lacking, plus a historical review of early publications. A section on pathophysiology presents an integrated trigger point hypothesis, and consideration of medical and metabolic factors perpetuating trigger points. The section on diagnosis includes a chapter devoted to trigger points in headache syndromes. Dommerholt is president of Bethesda Physiocare/Myopain Seminars. Huijbregts teaches at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Read Less