How Common Are Latent Myofascial Trigger Points in the Scapular Positioning Muscles?

Objective: To determine how commonly latent trigger points [LTrPs] occur within the scapular positioning muscles of asymptomatic adults by examining normal controls, represented by a sample of university staff and students. Methods: One hundred and fifty-four healthy subjects volunteered to undergo a physical examination for the presence of LTrPs in the trapezius, rhomboids, levator scapulae, serratus anterior, and the pectoralis minor muscles bilaterally. Results: Of the 154 subjects, 89.8 percent had at least one LTrP in the scapular positioning muscles [mean = 10.65 +/- 6.8, range = 1-27]. Discussion: Consistent with clinical opinion, the current study found a high occurrence of LTrPs in the scapular positioning muscles, however, the clinical significance of their presence requires further investigation.