Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections can provide relief for chronic muscle knots and trigger points that don’t respond to conservative treatments. At The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine, pain management specialists John Melek, MD, MSC, Engy Melek, MD, RD, LD, and the team offer trigger point injections to relieve pain and inflammation associated with trigger points so your muscles can relax and heal. To schedule a consultation about trigger point injections and find out if you’re a candidate, call the office in Dallas, Texas, or request one online today. 

What are trigger point injections?

Trigger point injections are a type of injection that combines a small amount of anesthetic and steroid medication to relieve pain and inflammation in a trigger point. 

Trigger points may be called adhesions or knots, which form in muscles when the muscle can’t relax properly. This may be due to strenuous workouts, repetitive movements, or overuse injuries. Trigger points often cause chronic muscle pain.

How do trigger point injections work?

Trigger point injections work by introducing an anesthetic or numbing solution directly into the trigger point for immediate pain relief. Then the steroid component of the injection can take effect, reducing inflammation in the area and allowing the trigger point to heal on its own.

Trigger point injections may be combined with other therapies, such as soft-tissue therapy or electrical stimulation, to help relax the involved muscle, reduce trigger point size, and improve the muscle’s range of motion.

What conditions can benefit from trigger point injections?

Trigger point injections are used for a variety of conditions and can be used in many locations throughout the body. Common reasons to get a trigger point injection include:

• Chronic muscle pain
• Muscle knots that don’t respond to conservative measures
• Pain in the arms, legs, back, or neck
• Fibromyalgia
• Tension headaches
• Migraines
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction

The team can determine if a trigger point injection is right for you during a consultation and physical exam.

What should I expect when getting a trigger point injection?

Once you’re ready to receive a trigger point injection, your provider cleans your skin with an alcohol swab and may apply a numbing solution to your skin for comfort. 

Next, they use a sterile syringe to inject the trigger point with the injection solution. Your provider then removes the needle, swabs the area again, and covers it with a bandage. The entire process typically takes less than 10 minutes.

After your injection, you may notice mild numbness or tingling at the injection site for up to one day. Your provider may recommend that you avoid strenuous exercise or use of the muscle for 24-48 hours. 

Otherwise, you can follow your normal routine. In most cases, trigger point injections take effect immediately to provide pain relief.

To find out if trigger point injections are right for you, call The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine, or schedule a visit online today.