Trigger points are small, tight areas within a muscle that can become painful and tender. Often described as muscle knots, they can develop from muscle strain, overuse, injury, or prolonged tension. Pain may stay concentrated around the trigger point or be felt in another area of the body.
Trigger point injections are a quick, minimally invasive treatment used to relieve these painful areas and help restore more comfortable movement.
How Do Trigger Point Injections Work?
A small amount of local anesthetic is injected directly into the trigger point. By treating the painful area of the muscle itself, the injection can help reduce pain and sensitivity, making it easier for the muscle to move and stretch comfortably.
One or several trigger points may be treated during the same visit depending on where symptoms are located.
What Can Trigger Point Injections Help Treat?
Trigger point injections are commonly used for myofascial pain, particularly when painful muscle knots develop in the neck, shoulders, upper or lower back, arms, or legs.
They may be considered when muscle pain continues despite treatments such as stretching, physical therapy, activity modification, or medication.
What to Expect
The procedure is performed in the office and usually takes only a few minutes. Mild soreness around the treated area can occur afterward and typically improves on its own.
Relief varies from person to person. For some patients, reducing pain from the trigger point can make it easier to stretch, exercise, and participate more comfortably in physical therapy or everyday activities.