Trigger Point Injections
What is a Trigger Point Injection?
A Trigger Point Injection (TPI) is a procedure used to treat painful areas of muscle that are known as "trigger points." These tight muscle knots can cause pain and discomfort in the surrounding areas. The pain one feels from pressing on a trigger point usually radiates in a region that is away from the trigger point. Treatment of trigger points can include ultrasound, electrostimulation, ischemic compression, injection, and alternative therapies like massage and acupuncture. Injections provide more immediate relief and can be effective when other methods fail.
Conditions Treated
• Tension Headaches• Migraine Headaches• Neck Pain and Stiffness• Upper Back Pain• Lower Back Pain• Fibromyalgia• Myofascial Pain Syndrome• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder• Shoulder Pain (e.g., rotator cuff injuries)• Hip Pain• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)• Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)• Muscle Spasms
Benefits of Trigger Point Injections
  • • Immediate Pain Relief: Provides quick relief from muscle knot discomfort.
  • • Reduced Muscle Spasms: Alleviates tightness and muscle spasms.
  • • Decreased Inflammation: Helps reduce pain and inflammation for lasting relief.
  • • Improved Circulation: Enhances blood flow to muscles, promoting healing.
  • • Enhanced Mobility: Improves range of motion and overall function.
  • • Long-lasting Results: Supports tissue repair, providing durable pain relief and improved functionality.
  • • Non-surgical: Our services are minimally invasive, requiring no major surgery, and have a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery.
How does the Treatment Work?
• The treatment is performed in the medical office and typically takes 30 minutes to an hour.• The healthcare provider will clean and sterilize the skin over the muscle with the trigger point.• A local anesthetic may be applied to numb the skin and make the procedure more comfortable.• The healthcare provider will insert a small needle directly into the trigger point, a tight, painful area in the muscle.• The needle is gently guided into the muscle where the knot or spasm is located.• The healthcare provider injects platelet-rich plasma into the trigger point, although an anesthetic, such as lidocaine, can also be used alone.• The treatment helps relax the muscles, decrease inflammation, improve range of movement, and relieve pain.
What to Expect After Treatment?
• Mild Discomfort: You may experience soreness, tenderness, or aching at the injection site for the first 24 hours.• Temporary Increase in Pain: Some patients report a temporary flare-up in pain before experiencing relief, which is common and should subside within a few hours to a day.• Swelling or Bruising: Mild swelling or bruising may occur around the injection site but typically resolves within a few days.• Improvement in Muscle Tension: Trigger point injections are designed to reduce muscle tightness and spasms, and you may feel less tension in the affected muscles after a day or two.• Gradual Pain Relief: Pain relief may take a few days, and some individuals notice a significant reduction in pain within 1-2 weeks.• Limited Activity: It’s generally recommended to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 24-48 hours to allow the treated area to heal.• Ice and Pain Relief: If you experience discomfort, apply ice to the treated area and take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. • Monitor Progress: Track changes in your pain levels and mobility to evaluate the effectiveness of the trigger point injection(s).• Follow-up: Your healthcare provider will schedule follow-up visits to assess progress and determine if additional treatments are needed.