Satellite Trigger Points

Satellite Myofascial Trigger Points

A key trigger point can mechanically or neurogenically give rise to a so-called satellite trigger points.

It’s difficult to distinguish the mechanism responsible for the key-satellite relationship by examination only. The association normally is confirmed by simultaneous deactivation of the satellite TrP when the key TrP is deactivated.

Common locations of satellite trigger points may include:

• site of reference of the key trigger point;
• overloaded synergist substituting for the key muscle – the muscle harboring the key trigger point;
• antagonist of the key muscle, because it counters the increased tension of the latter;
• a muscle associated only neurogenically with the key TrP.

Earlier, only a TrP that developed in the referred pain zone of another TrP was considered as a satellite trigger point.
A term “secondary trigger points” was used previously for the TrPs which developed in an antagonist or a synergist of the muscle harboring the key trigger point. This is earlier term for a “satellite trigger point”.