Understanding Trigger Points in Your Body
Trigger points are specific, hyperirritable spots within a muscle or its surrounding fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds muscles). These areas of tightness or knots can feel tender to the touch and often refer pain to other parts of the body, a phenomenon known as “referred pain.” This means the discomfort isn’t always felt right where the trigger point is located; instead, you might feel it in a completely different area. For example, a trigger point in your shoulder muscle might cause pain that radiates down your arm or up into your neck and head.
These points can significantly affect how your muscles function, leading to stiffness, decreased range of motion, and sometimes chronic pain if not addressed. Many people describe the sensation as a dull ache, pressure, or deep soreness that doesn’t quite go away.
Trigger points can develop for several reasons, including:
- Injuries: Trauma from accidents, falls, or strains can damage muscle fibers. As the body heals, scar tissue or tight muscle bands may form, leading to the development of trigger points.
- Prolonged Muscle Tension or Over-exertion: Repetitive movements or holding a muscle in a contracted position for too long can fatigue the muscle. Over time, this overuse can create areas of sustained tension that evolve into trigger points.
- Poor Posture: Sitting or standing in an improper position, especially for extended periods (like hunching over a computer or phone), places continuous stress on certain muscle groups. This constant strain can cause muscles to tighten up, contributing to trigger point formation.
- Irritated Nerve Fibers: Nerve irritation, whether from spinal issues, pinched nerves, or inflammation, can lead to abnormal muscle tension. Muscles react protectively, tightening up around the nerve, which can create trigger points.
Understanding how and why trigger points form is the first step in learning how to release them and restore your body to a healthier, more relaxed state.
Understanding the Injection Process
During the consultation, the pain consultant will identify your trigger points, these will be marked with a medical marker pen. The skin area is then cleaned and sterilised. Following this, an ultrasound probe is placed over the tender area to identify the different myofascial planes to identify the optimum position for the injection. Ultrasound is used to guide the needle to this position, on the monitor the injection can be visualised.
The injection contains a local anaesthetic which leads to instant pain relief, the consultant may add corticosteroids to the injections if required which can lead to a longer period of anti-inflammatory effect from the injection.
Things to Expect After Trigger Point Injections
Usually, patients will experience some instant relief from the local anaesthetic injections into their trigger points although for others it may take a few days to be fully effective. Sometimes, there can be some local swelling and inflammation at the injection. Anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs and heat packs can help to settle down post-injection inflammation.
Some patients may need to undertake stretching exercises after their injection to help relax tense muscles once pain relief has been achieved with a trigger point injection.
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Common Q&A about Trigger Point Injection Therapy for Chronic Pain
Trigger Point Injection Therapy is a medical treatment used to relieve pain caused by trigger points, which are tight, painful areas of muscle that can cause discomfort and referred pain. The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic, saline, or corticosteroid into the trigger point to relax the muscle and alleviate pain.
TPI is commonly used to treat chronic pain conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, tension headaches, and pain in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and other muscle groups. It may also help with muscle pain associated with arthritis or sports injuries.
Trigger points are knots of muscle that cause pain and stiffness. The injection disrupts the pain signal and helps relax the muscle fibers, improving blood flow and reducing inflammation, which ultimately leads to pain relief and improved range of motion.
The injection typically contains a local anesthetic (such as lidocaine) to numb the area and, in some cases, a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. Some practitioners may use saline or a combination of medications depending on the patient’s specific condition.
The procedure is quick, usually taking only a few minutes per injection site. Most patients feel a brief pinch or sting during the injection, but the anesthetic quickly numbs the area, reducing discomfort. Some soreness may occur afterward, similar to how a muscle feels after a workout.
Effectiveness varies depending on the individual and the underlying condition. Many patients experience immediate relief, while others may require a series of injections over time. TPI is often most effective when combined with physical therapy, stretching, and other treatments to manage chronic pain.
TPI is generally considered safe, but some patients may experience side effects such as temporary soreness, bruising, or bleeding at the injection site. In rare cases, infection, allergic reactions, or nerve damage may occur.
The number of injections required depends on the severity and duration of your pain, as well as how your body responds to treatment. Some patients may need only one injection, while others may benefit from a series of injections spaced over several weeks.
TPI may be recommended for patients who have chronic muscle pain that has not responded well to other treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or massage. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if you’re a suitable candidate based on your medical history and symptoms.
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, may cover Trigger Point Injection Therapy if it’s deemed medically necessary. However, coverage varies by provider and plan, so it’s best to check with your insurance company for specific details about your coverage.