Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections are a minimally invasive treatment used to relieve painful muscle knots (trigger points) that cause chronic discomfort.
Trigger points are tight, sensitive areas within muscle tissue that remain contracted instead of relaxing, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
During the procedure, a small amount of medication—typically a local anesthetic with or without a steroid—is injected directly into the muscle knot to help it relax and relieve pain.
👉 These injections are commonly used for myofascial pain (muscle-related pain).
What Conditions Do Trigger Point Injections Help?
Trigger point injections are effective for:
- Myofascial pain syndrome (muscle pain)
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Upper and lower back pain
- Tension headaches
- Fibromyalgia-related muscle pain
How Do Trigger Point Injections Work?
Trigger points develop when muscles stay tight due to injury, stress, or overuse.
- A thin needle is inserted into the tight muscle knot
- The muscle may briefly twitch (a sign of correct placement)
- Medication helps the muscle relax
- Blood flow improves and tension decreases
What to Expect During the Procedure
Before the Procedure
- Physical exam to identify trigger points
- Review of symptoms and prior treatments
During the Procedure
- You sit or lie comfortably
- The provider locates the trigger point by touch
- A thin needle is inserted into the muscle
- Medication is injected
- Procedure typically takes 10–20 minutes
- You may feel a brief twitch or cramping sensation, which confirms the muscle is responding.
After the Procedure
- You can return to normal activities the same day
- Mild soreness may occur at the injection site
- Avoid strenuous activity for 1–2 days
Benefits of Trigger Point Injections
✔ Quick, in-office procedure
✔ Relieves muscle knots and tightness
✔ Improves range of motion
✔ Helps physical therapy become more effective
✔ Reduces need for medications
👉 Many patients experience pain relief within 24–72 hours.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have tight, painful muscle knots
- Experience chronic muscle pain or stiffness
- Have not improved with medications, massage, or therapy
- Have pain limiting movement or daily activities
👉 These injections are often used when conservative treatments are not enough.
Risks & Side Effects
Trigger point injections are generally safe, but possible side effects include:
- Temporary soreness or tenderness
- Bruising or mild bleeding
- Infection (rare)
- Allergic reaction (rare)
When Are Trigger Point Injections Recommended?
This treatment is typically recommended when:
- Muscle pain is caused by trigger points or tension
- Conservative treatments have failed
- Pain is affecting mobility and quality of life
Recovery & Results
- Mild soreness for 1–2 days
- Pain relief typically begins within 1–3 days
- Relief may last several weeks to a month or longer
FAQs
You may feel a brief sting or twitch, but the procedure is generally well tolerated.
Relief can last several weeks and may improve with repeat treatments.
Some patients benefit from a series of treatments.
Yes—this combination often leads to better outcomes.
FAQs
They are tight, painful muscle knots that form after acute or chronic trauma, causing stress on muscle fibers.
They can help pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and lower back.
Migraines, chronic tension headaches, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and radiculopathy.
Yes, fibromyalgia is one of the conditions that can be treated.
It is chronic muscle pain caused by trigger points, which can be relieved with trigger point injections.