Trigger Point Injection

A Trigger Point Injection (TPI) is a simple, minimally invasive procedure designed to treat painful areas of muscle that contain trigger points, or knots of muscle that form when muscles do not relax. A TPI can help relieve pain and improve mobility by injecting a small amount of anesthetic and sometimes a corticosteroid directly into the trigger point.

Why Might You Need a Trigger Point Injection?

Trigger Point Injections may be recommended if you experience:

Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Chronic pain disorder caused by pressure on sensitive points in your muscles.
Fibromyalgia: Condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues.
Chronic Pain: Persistent pain in muscles, especially in the neck, back, and shoulders.

You Don't Have To Live In Pain

What Are the Steps in an Trigger Point Injection Procedure?

Preoperative Preparation

Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive review of medical history and current symptoms.
Medication Review: Instructions on which medications to avoid prior to the procedure.
Informed Consent: Discussion of the procedure, benefits, and potential risks.

During the Procedure

Patient Positioning: You will be positioned comfortably to allow access to the trigger point.
Identification of Trigger Points: The healthcare provider will locate the trigger points by palpating the muscle.
Local Anesthesia: The area around the trigger point will be numbed.
Needle Insertion: A thin needle is inserted into the trigger point.
Medication Injection: A mixture of anesthetic and sometimes a corticosteroid is injected into the trigger point to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Postoperative Care

Monitoring: Short period of observation to ensure no immediate adverse reactions.
Pain Relief: Pain relief can be immediate or may take a few days.
Activity Restrictions: Limited physical activity is recommended for the rest of the day.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Postoperative Care

Immediate Relief: Some patients may experience immediate relief, while others may require a few days for the full effect.
Pain Diary: Keeping a pain diary to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment is encouraged.
Follow-Up: A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to evaluate your response to the injection and discuss further treatment options if needed.

Potential Complications

While Trigger Point Injections are generally safe, potential complications can include:

Infection: Rare but possible at the injection site.
Bleeding: Minor bleeding or bruising may occur.
Nerve Damage: Extremely rare but a potential risk.
Temporary Pain Increase: Some patients may experience an initial increase in pain.

Benefits of Trigger Point Injections in Pain Management

Targeted Pain Relief: Effective in reducing chronic muscle pain and tension.
Improved Functionality: Helps improve mobility and ability to perform daily activities.
Minimally Invasive: Offers a non-surgical option for pain management.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Allows for increased participation in physical and social activities.