Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections address myofascial pain at its source: the taut, irritable bands within muscle that are tender to pressure and reproduce familiar pain patterns. A small needle is placed into the identified trigger point, often with a small volume of local anesthetic, and the muscle fibers are mechanically released.

The procedure is deliberately simple and quick, and its role is specific. Active trigger points can be too painful to stretch effectively, which stalls the rehabilitation that actually resolves myofascial pain. By settling the trigger point, the injection typically makes stretching and strengthening immediately more tolerable, which is why it is paired with an ongoing movement plan rather than offered as a stand-alone fix.

Appropriate when palpable, active trigger points have been identified on examination and reproduced your typical pain pattern, when stretching, rehabilitation, and self-care have not adequately settled them, and when the muscle component is meaningfully limiting progress. It is not used for muscle soreness generally, only for identified trigger points.

You can usually drive home and return to normal activity the same day. The treated muscle is often sore for a day or two, sometimes with a bruised feeling, and gentle movement of the muscle is typically encouraged rather than rest. The important part of recovery is immediate: beginning the stretching and movement program while the treated trigger points are settled, which is what converts short-term relief into lasting change.

The most common effects are temporary soreness, bruising, and a small risk of bleeding or infection, all uncommon and generally mild. A temporary vasovagal reaction can occur. Pneumothorax is a rare but discussed risk when treating muscles near the upper back or chest wall. Lack of benefit, or brief worsening before improvement, is possible.