What is it?
When a muscle becomes stiff, torn, or bruised, the point of origin for the injury is known as the “trigger point”. A trigger point injection contains a mixture of medications that helps the muscle relax and reduce inflammation. As the medication does its work, blood flow will improve and the body will start to heal itself. Pain from an injured muscle can cause headaches and aches in other areas of the pain such as the arms, legs, or lower back. Treating the pain at the trigger point is one of the most effective means of remedying these problems.
How to prepare for an injection?
Check your temperature, if you are feeling ill or your temperature is above 100 F, stay home and reschedule your visit. If you are on blood thinners, call your physician as you may have to come off them for a certain period of time. Make sure to have a driver. If you want sedation, please inform your physician beforehand. If you have an infection, inform your physician as you may have to reschedule your procedure.
What happens after an injection?
You will be monitored for a short period of time. Take it easy for the rest of the day. You may feel immediate relief and numbness in the injection area for a period of time after the injection. This may indicate the medication is in the right area. We also recommend taking a NSAID such as ibuprofen, however if you can't take any NSAID's, then you can take Tylenol.
When will I get pain relief?
Typically, patients experience pain relief around 3 days after the procedure, and it generally lasts around a month. Patients may need additional injection to achieve long-term pain relief.