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Trigger Point Injection
Trigger points are hyperirritable spots within tight bands of muscle fiber that fail to relax and can cause both local pain and referred pain patterns throughout the body. When trigger points become a source of chronic pain — a condition called myofascial pain syndrome — trigger point injections can provide fast, targeted relief.
What is a Trigger Point Injection?
If you've ever had a persistent, tender knot in your muscle that seems to radiate pain to surrounding areas when pressed, you may be familiar with a trigger point. Trigger points are hyperirritable spots within tight bands of muscle fiber that fail to relax and can cause both local pain and referred pain patterns throughout the body. When trigger points become a source of chronic pain — a condition called myofascial pain syndrome — trigger point injections can provide fast, targeted relief. At River Cities Interventional Pain Specialists, trigger point injections deliver a small amount of local anesthetic directly into the trigger point, relaxing the muscle knot and interrupting the pain cycle. This quick, in-office procedure often provides relief within minutes.
What To Expect
Trigger point injections are one of the fastest and most straightforward procedures we offer. Here's what to expect:
✔️ You'll be seated or lying in a comfortable position with the affected muscle accessible to our provider.
✔️ The provider carefully palpates the muscle to identify the trigger point(s) — you may notice a characteristic twitch response or reproduction of your familiar pain.
✔️ The skin over each trigger point is cleaned, and a thin needle is inserted directly into the muscle knot.
✔️ A small amount of local anesthetic is injected, often causing an initial release and immediate sensation of the muscle relaxing.
✔️ Multiple trigger points may be treated in a single session.
✔️ The entire appointment typically takes 15–20 minutes.
Results and Recovery
It is common to experience mild muscle soreness in the treated area for 24–48 hours following trigger point injections — similar to the feeling after a deep-tissue massage or intense exercise. Applying ice or heat to the area and staying gently active can help. Most patients notice improvement in their pain within 24–48 hours, and we encourage gentle stretching of the treated muscles to maximize the benefit and help prevent trigger point recurrence. A short course of physical therapy may be recommended to address the underlying causes.
Trigger point injections are an effective option for patients experiencing:
✔️ Myofascial pain syndrome with persistent muscle knots in the neck, shoulders, back, or other areas
✔️ Tension-type headaches or cervicogenic headaches stemming from trigger points in the neck and upper back
✔️ Fibromyalgia with focal areas of intense tenderness
✔️ Muscle pain following injury, overuse, or poor posture
✔️ Pain that hasn't responded adequately to stretching, massage, or oral anti-inflammatory medications
✔️ Referred pain patterns that trace back to specific muscle knots
WHO IS THIS BEST FOR?
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients experience a brief, sharp sensation during needle insertion and sometimes a muscle twitch or momentary cramp as the trigger point is contacted — this is actually a sign of accurate placement. The overall procedure is quick and well-tolerated, and discomfort typically subsides within seconds.
Dry needling uses a needle without any medication to mechanically disrupt the trigger point. Trigger point injections include local anesthetic, which provides more immediate pain relief and helps confirm needle placement. Both approaches are effective; Dr. Brewer will recommend the best option for your situation.
Some patients achieve lasting relief after 1–3 sessions. Others with chronic myofascial pain benefit from periodic injections over time. Combining trigger point injections with physical therapy, postural correction, and stress management typically produces the best long-term outcomes.
Yes. Trigger points in the suboccipital, sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and other neck and shoulder muscles are a very common and often overlooked cause of chronic headaches. Treating these trigger points can significantly reduce headache frequency and severity for many patients.
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Leaders In Shreveport Pain Management for Over 20 Years