Trigger point injections are quick and efficient outpatient procedures.
Your doctor will use advanced imaging technology to determine the exact location of your trigger point before injecting the steroid medication.
Upon injection you may experience a sudden spasm in the knotted muscle being treated.
Trigger Point Injections
Soothe muscle tension and myofascial pain.
What is Myofascial Pain?
Myofascial pain refers to acute or chronic pain that affects muscles or the fascia tissue that surrounds muscles. Myofascial pain may be caused by injury, stress, or overuse.
What are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are a type of myofascial pain caused by strained muscles that form tight muscle fibers, which can feel like literal knots.
Strains in muscles fibers and fascia form small tears along the soft tissue. As part of the healing process, the damaged tissue naturally contracts—sometimes knotting in the process. These knots are known as trigger points and restrict blood supply to the surrounding area.
Find out if a trigger point injection is right for you
Common Conditions
Any tear or strain in muscle tissue or fascia (the connective tissue around every muscle) can result in severe pain or decreased mobility. Often these injuries are the results of repetitive movement or muscle misuse and trauma.
Arthritis is a chronic condition caused by inflammation of the joints. There is no cure for arthritis and the condition tends to worsen with age. Osteoarthritis is the result of wear-and-tear around a joint’s cartilage.
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes constant pain, fatigue, and memory loss. The condition is more prevalent in women and may result following an emotionally or physically traumatic event, or with no discernible trigger.
What to Expect
During Treatment
After Treatment
You may begin to experience pain relief from the steroid medication within 1-3 days following the trigger point procedure, but it could take up to a week to feel the full effects.
Following the procedure, you may feel some tenderness around the injection site. Though you can return to your normal daily routine, you will be advised to restrain from strenuous physical activity for a few days. Your doctor will discuss rest instructions in more detail at the time of your procedure.
What are the Benefits?
- Improves mobility
- May reduce OTC medication use
- Minimal side effects
Because the injections ease muscle knots, most patients notice marked improvement in ease of use and range of movements.
May reduce the need for NSAIDS and other pain medications.
This minimally invasive procedure is generally well tolerated. Temporary soreness and bruising are the most common side effects.
Common Questions
Are there any side effects?
Though rare, some patients do experience bleeding or infection around the injection site.
How long will trigger point injections provide relief?
Relief timelines vary from patient to patient. You may experience some relief immediately following your procedure, but it could take up to two weeks to feel the full effects.
How many injections will I receive?
Some trigger points may require multiple injections around the same area. Your doctor will evaluate your condition to determine the optimal number of injections for you.