Trigger Point Injections

Treatment for Stiff, Painful Muscles

When a muscle becomes stiff, torn, or bruised, the point of origin for the injury is known as the “trigger point”. A trigger point injection contains a mixture of medications that helps the muscle relax and reduce inflammation. As the medication does its work, blood flow will improve and the body will start to heal itself.

Pain from an injured muscle can cause headaches and aches in other areas of the pain such as the arms, legs, or lower back. Treating the pain at the trigger point is one of the most effective means of remedying these problems.

What to Expect

First, a doctor will need to find the trigger point. This is done through a physical exam wherein the doctor examines the muscles for knotted areas. Imaging is not needed to diagnose a trigger point as they do not show up on x-rays or MRIs. However, if an underlying condition is the cause of the trigger point, then these tests can be helpful.

Receiving a trigger point injection typically only takes 15 minutes. You may receive several injections over the next couple weeks, but after that, they are usually limited to one session every two months.

Trigger point injections are very safe and there should not be any side effects. If you are taking physical therapy, trigger point injections have been shown to improve overall performance and efficiency in these programs.