Explain the concept of a reference zone and how this information may be useful in identifying TrPs on a client

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: A reference zone in relation to trigger point therapy is the area in the body that is being affected by a TrP. Usually the client feels pain in the reference zone. For example, a TrP in the neck may cause a headache in a specific location, so this spot in the head would be this particular TrP's reference zone. Myofascial TrPs may cause dull or aching pain in their reference zone. When the massage therapist presses on an active TrP, this will often make the pain in the reference zone worse. Familiarity with the general reference zones for common TrPs may be helpful to the massage therapist because this will help the therapist pinpoint the location to begin palpation to locate the precise location of the TrP.