Trigger Point Injections
A trigger point injection (TPI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat painful muscle knots, also known as trigger points. These are tight, sensitive areas in muscle tissue that can cause localized pain or radiate pain to other parts of the body. They are muscle tissues that, through acute injury or repetitive use, have become bound in a contracted state.
The injection typically contains a local anesthetic (such as lidocaine), and sometimes a corticosteroid, which helps reduce muscle tightness and inflammation.
Trigger point injections are commonly used to relieve myofascial pain syndrome and other muscle-related pain conditions.
Who Benefits from Trigger Point Injections?
You may benefit from a TPI if you experience:
- Persistent or localized muscle pain, especially in the neck, shoulders, back, or hips
- Palpable muscle knots or “bands” that are tender to the touch
- Pain that worsens with movement or pressure
- Referred pain, where discomfort spreads to another area of the body
- Pain that does not improve with massage, stretching, or physical therapy
- Tension headaches or jaw pain associated with muscle tension
Trigger points often develop due to muscle overuse, poor posture, stress, or injury.
What to Expect
- Preparation: You’ll be positioned comfortably, usually seated or lying down depending on the injection site.
- Identification: The provider will palpate the muscle to locate the trigger point(s).
- Injection: A thin needle is inserted into the trigger point, and medication is delivered directly into the knot. In some cases, multiple points are treated during one session. Your clinician will continue the process until the muscle relaxes and the twitching resides. Once they are satisfied with the release of bound tissue, they will remove the needle and potentially bandage the site.
- Duration: The entire procedure may only take a few minutes, depending on the number of points treated.
- Discomfort: You may feel a brief sting or muscle spasm during the injection. The area may briefly reproduce the pain you’re familiar with, which helps confirm accuracy.
The procedure is usually done in a clinic and does not require sedation.
After the Procedure
- Immediate Relief: Many people experience immediate improvement in pain or mobility due to the local anesthetic.
- Soreness: Mild muscle soreness or aching at the injection site is common for 24–48 hours.
- Improved Function: As the muscle relaxes, patients often notice increased range of motion and improved daily activity tolerance. Pain relief can begin between 24-72 hours after the treatment.
Trigger point injections are often used alongside other treatments like physical therapy or stretching programs to address the underlying cause of muscle tension.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Activity: Light activity is encouraged to prevent stiffness. Avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.
- Ice: Apply ice to the treated area for 15–20 minutes at a time, especially if there’s soreness.
- Stretching: Gentle stretching can help maintain muscle flexibility and prevent recurrence.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) may be used as needed.
Most people return to work or normal activity the same day or by the next day.
How Long Do Results Last?
- Relief can last from days to about a month, depending on the underlying condition, severity, and contributing lifestyle factors.
- Some patients require repeated injections if symptoms recur, especially for chronic conditions.
TPIs are most effective when combined with long-term strategies like physical therapy, posture correction, stress management, and ergonomic adjustments.
Risks and Considerations
Trigger point injections are considered very safe, but potential side effects include:
- Temporary pain, bruising, or soreness at the injection site
- Rare risk of infection or bleeding
- Allergic reaction to anesthetic or steroid (uncommon)
- Immediate Relief: Many people experience immediate improvement in pain or mobility due to the local anesthetic.
- Soreness: Mild muscle soreness or aching at the injection site is common for 24–48 hours.
- Improved Function: As the muscle relaxes, patients often notice increased range of motion and improved daily activity tolerance. Pain relief can begin between 24-72 hours after the treatment.
Trigger point injections are often used alongside other treatments like physical therapy or stretching programs to address the underlying cause of muscle tension.