Trigger Point Injections
Trigger Point Injections (TPIs) are a medical procedure used to treat painful areas of muscle that have developed knots, known as trigger points. These knots form when muscles fail to relax and can lead to pain that may radiate to other parts of the body (referred pain). TPIs are commonly used to manage myofascial pain syndrome, tension headaches, and other chronic pain conditions. Book Your Consultation Today!
Procedure
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Assessment: The healthcare provider identifies the trigger point by palpating the affected area and confirming the location of pain.
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Preparation: The skin over the area is cleaned to maintain sterility.
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Injection: A small needle is inserted into the trigger point, and a solution is injected. The solution may include:
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A local anesthetic (e.g., lidocaine or bupivacaine) to numb the area and relieve pain.
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Saline or sterile water to release tension and break up the knot.
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Post-Injection: The needle may be moved in and out of the trigger point to break up the tight muscle fibers (a technique called "peppering").
The procedure typically takes a few minutes and can be performed in a doctor’s office.
Benefits
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Pain relief: Provides immediate or gradual pain reduction.
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Improved function: Reduces muscle stiffness, improving range of motion.
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Non-invasive: Minimally invasive with little downtime.
Common Uses
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Myofascial pain syndrome
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Tension headaches
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Fibromyalgia (as part of a multimodal approach)
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Muscle spasms or tightness
Side Effects and Risks
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Temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site
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Rarely, infection or bleeding
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Temporary numbness or weakness in the surrounding area