Trigger Point Injection (TPI) can indeed help relieve myofascial pain caused by trigger points in muscles. These injections are common and generally safe. Trigger points are painful “knots” in muscles that can be sensitive to touch or pressure. They may form after acute trauma or repetitive microtrauma, causing stress on muscle fibers and leading to them being stuck in a contracted state. Trigger Point Injections commonly involve the injection of a local anesthetic with or without corticosteroid, botulinum toxin, or without any injection substance (dry needling). TPIs can be effective in soothing myofascial pain, especially in areas like the neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and lower back.
Procedure
Depending on the trigger point location, you may be sitting or lying down on an exam table. Your healthcare provider will cleanse your skin on the affected area with an alcohol pad. They may mark the trigger point with a skin marker. Once the trigger point is identified, your provider will pinch it between their fingers to stabilize the tissue, which may feel uncomfortable. They’ll then insert a thin needle attached to a syringe into the trigger point and rhythmically continue needling the area by repeatedly inserting and retracting the needle without completely withdrawing it from the muscle or your skin. You may feel your muscle spasm or twitch during this process. Your provider will continue the motion in multiple directions until the muscle twitching has stopped or until the muscle feels adequately relaxed. Finally, your provider will inject the area with a local anesthetic with or without corticosteroid or botulinum toxin. The procedure typically concludes at this point, and you’ll be able to go home.
Benefits of Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger Point Injections are generally safe and can provide pain relief to individuals who have been experiencing pain associated with trigger points and have not found relief using more conservative treatments, such as over-the-counter pain medication or physical therapy. These injections can also lead to significant improvement in range of motion and overall muscle functionality, depending on which muscle is affected.
