Trigger Point Injection

Overview

Trigger point injections are used to eliminate painful “knots” in your muscles. These spots of tension restrict blood flow, creating chronic pain and depriving your muscle of essential nutrients.

During the minimally invasive procedure, your doctor will use a needle to physically break up the tense muscle and tell your body to start healing it by increasing blood flow. A local anesthetic is used for comfort, and steroids may be used to reduce inflammation.

Who Benefits?

This procedure might be right for you if you have a trigger point that has not improved through other treatments, such as pain medication, heat therapy, massage therapy or physical therapy. It is also commonly used for myofascial pain syndrome, a chronic disorder that occurs after repeated contractions of a muscle (often related to repetitive motions in jobs or hobbies).

Recovery Expectations

Trigger point injections, sometimes guided by advanced imaging, are performed in the office and take about 15 minutes. The treatment area may have some soreness for up to two weeks. After that, you should start to feel the effects of your body healing the area.

Recovery should be accompanied by physical therapy or a structured home exercise program.