Which of the following statements correctly matches the treatments for trigger points and tender points?

• A. Trigger points: ME, MFR, ice; Tender points: counterstrain.
• B. Trigger points: dry needling; Tender points: massage.
• C. Trigger points: ME, MFR, ice, spray and stretch; Tender points: counterstrain.
• D. Trigger points: massage; Tender points: acupuncture.

Answer: (C)

Treatments differ in how they address the underlying irritability and the nature of the point. Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in taut bands of muscle that respond best to techniques that directly reduce muscle tension and irritability. Muscle energy technique helps the muscle reset through controlled contractions, myofascial release targets the fascia and tight muscle bands to release them, ice can lessen local pain and irritability, and spray and stretch uses a cooling spray to facilitate a comfortable, guarded-free stretch. Tender points, on the other hand, are sensitive spots often without a taut band and are best addressed with a technique that reduces nociceptive input by placing the body in positions of comfort; counterstrain accomplishes this by relaxing the painful point through positioning to alleviate tenderness. So, combining ME, MFR, ice, and spray and stretch for trigger points with counterstrain for tender points aligns with how these issues respond clinically.