Services
Trigger Point Injections
What Are Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger point injections (TPIs) are a minimally invasive treatment used to relieve muscle pain and tightness caused by trigger points—knots or tight bands of muscle that fail to relax. These injections involve administering medication, such as a local anesthetic or corticosteroid, directly into the trigger point to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. Trigger point injections are commonly performed in outpatient settings and can provide significant relief for individuals experiencing chronic or acute pain.
What Do Trigger Point Injections Treat?
Trigger point injections are used to treat a variety of painful conditions related to muscle tightness and myofascial pain. They are particularly effective for:
Myofascial Pain Syndrome – A chronic pain condition caused by sensitive trigger points in muscles.
Fibromyalgia – A disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain, often linked to trigger points.
Tension Headaches – Caused by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
Migraine Headaches – Trigger point injections can reduce muscle-related migraine triggers.
Chronic Neck and Back Pain – Trigger points in the cervical or lumbar spine can contribute to persistent pain.
Shoulder Pain – Trigger point injections can alleviate discomfort related to rotator cuff injuries or muscle tightness.
Sciatica and Hip Pain – Muscle tension around the sciatic nerve can be relieved with injections.
Repetitive Strain Injuries – Trigger point injections can help reduce pain from overuse injuries, such as those experienced by athletes or office workers.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger point injections are ideal for individuals who:
Experience muscle pain and tension that has not responded to conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, stretching, or medications
Suffer from myofascial pain syndrome or fibromyalgia
Have chronic headaches linked to muscle tightness
Require relief from localized pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep
Are not candidates for or wish to avoid more invasive pain management treatments
However, trigger point injections may not be suitable for individuals with:
Active infections at the injection site
Blood clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulants
Allergies to the medications used in the injection
How Are Trigger Point Injections Performed?
The procedure is relatively quick and performed in a pain specialist’s office. The steps include:
Patient Preparation: The patient is positioned comfortably, and the skin over the trigger point is cleaned.
Identifying the Trigger Point: The specialist locates the painful muscle knot through palpation.
Injection Process: A thin needle is inserted into the trigger point, and a local anaesthetic (with or without a corticosteroid) is injected.
Muscle Response: The injection may cause a slight twitch or muscle contraction, indicating the trigger point is being targeted.
Post-Injection Care: The site is cleaned, and the patient is monitored for a short period before being allowed to leave.
The entire procedure typically takes 10-15 minutes.
What to Expect Before and After Trigger Point Injections
Patients should inform the doctor about any medications, allergies, or medical conditions.
Blood-thinning medications may need to be adjusted before the procedure.
Patients can eat and drink normally unless instructed otherwise.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Pain relief can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual and the underlying condition. Some patients require periodic injections for sustained relief.