The main difference between a trigger point and scar tissue lies in their nature and how they manifest pain.
While both trigger points and scar tissue can be painful and involve tissue changes, they are distinct phenomena. The provided reference states that both can be painful to touch and occur when muscle fibers (fascia) tense and tighten. However, a key differentiator is the pain referral pattern.
| Feature | Trigger Point | Scar Tissue |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Pattern | Causes pain in more than one area of the body. | Localized pain at the site of the tissue. |
| Pain Referral | Often refers pain to distant locations. | Pain generally stays confined to the area. |
| Nature | Hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle. | Fibrous tissue that replaces normal tissue after injury. |
Essentially, trigger points are localized knots that cause referred pain, whereas scar tissue is a fibrous replacement of damaged tissue, causing pain and restricted movement locally. Trigger points are associated with muscle dysfunction, while scar tissue is a result of the body's healing process.
