What are Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger point injections (TPIs) are a type of treatment for muscle pain and stiffness. They involve injecting a local anesthetic into areas of the body called “trigger points”, which can be tender spots in muscles, ligaments, and tendons that cause pain when they are touched. The injection disrupts the transmission of painful signals to the brain, giving you temporary relief from your discomfort.
Who Should Have Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger point injections can be beneficial for people who experience chronic muscle pain due to many conditions, perhaps most commonly fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome. People with muscular tension in their neck or low back may also find relief from TPIs. Additionally, people with musculoskeletal disorders that are causing weakness or numbness in the arms or legs may be candidates for this type of treatment.
How Well Do Trigger Point Injections Work?
Trigger point injections can provide temporary relief from pain and stiffness. They are non-invasive and relatively inexpensive, making them a popular treatment option for many, but they won’t work as well as every single patient would like Research shows that some people can experience significant improvement in their symptoms after just one injection while others may need multiple treatments to get the same effect. Our team will advise you on the best way to approach trigger point injections based on your history and goals.
What Can I Expect When I Have a Trigger Point Injection?
Injections typically occur in the clinic or office. During your injection, your doctor will use a very thin needle to inject the anesthetic into the trigger point in order to relax the muscle. You may feel some pressure or discomfort from the needle, but it should not be painful. After the injections, you can expect some soreness around the injected area which should subside within a few days.
