Definition: Tender points are used in diagnosing fibromyalgia. They are specific places on the body that are painful when a standard amount of pressure (about 4kg) is applied, but do not refer pain to elsewhere in the body. The American College of Rheumatology requires pain in at least 11 out of a possible 18 tender points for a diagnosis of FMS. Tender points may be found in any palpable muscle, but 18 sites are consistently present in patients with fibromyalgia and are used for diagnosis.
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Also Known As: Pressure points, or incorrectly called trigger points.
