TRIGGER POINT INJECTIONS

This outpatient procedure is designed to reduce or relieve the pain of trigger points. These small, tender knots can form in muscles or in the fascia (the soft, stretchy connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs). The trigger point injection procedure takes only a few minutes to complete.

Targeted Pain Relief: An Overview of Trigger Point Injections

A persistent knot or tight band of muscle that is sensitive and often painful to touch is referred to as a trigger point. A trigger point may lead to pain in the surrounding muscle or referred pain in a seemingly unrelated area of the body. The good news is, our team at the Comprehensive Pain Institute offers trigger point injections, a minimally invasive procedure to manage such pain effectively.

Understanding Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections are a pain management procedure aimed at targeting and relaxing these trigger points. During the procedure, a health professional inserts a small needle into the patient’s trigger point and injects a local anesthetic, saline, or corticosteroid. This can help alleviate pain, promoting relaxation and increasing mobility.

Who Can Benefit From Trigger Point Injections?

Anyone suffering from a condition that involves trigger points can benefit from this procedure. These conditions may include fibromyalgia, tension headaches, temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ), and myofascial pain syndrome, among others. If traditional treatment methods don’t provide enough relief, trigger point injections can be an effective supplement or alternative.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The procedure is straightforward and quick, typically completed within a few minutes. After locating the trigger point, your healthcare provider will clean the skin area, then insert a small needle into the trigger point and inject the medication. Most patients experience immediate relief following the procedure, though this can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their pain.

Aftercare and Recovery

Following a trigger point injection, it’s generally recommended to apply a cold pack to the injection site to alleviate any minor discomfort. Patients can typically return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, if the trigger point was caused by strain or overuse, it may be beneficial to avoid such activities to prevent recurrence of the trigger point.