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Trigger Point Injections

New Jersey Pain Management

Spine, Sports & Pain Medicine Centers located in Morristown, NJ & Bridgewater, NJ & Rockaway, NJ

Trigger point injections are one of the most effective treatments to relieve trigger point pain and get rid of chronic muscle knots. If you suffer from musculoskeletal pain, tension headaches, or spine pain, see the specialists at New Jersey Pain Management for trigger point injections. With locations in Morristown, Bridgewater, and Rockaway, New Jersey, the expert team led by Alena Polesin, MD, and Philip Rubinfeld, MD, can help you get rid of chronic pain and return to your favorite activities. Schedule a consultation today by calling or using the online tool.

Trigger Point Injections Q & A

What are trigger point injections?

Trigger point injections are a treatment to relieve pain in trigger points — also called knots or adhesions — in your muscles. Trigger point injections combine small amounts of anesthetic and steroid medications to relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with trigger points.

Trigger points typically form when the muscle is chronically tight and can’t relax properly. This may limit your range of motion, entrap your nerves or make certain activities difficult or uncomfortable.

When are trigger point injections recommended?

Trigger point injections are recommended for patients who experience chronic muscle pain due to trigger points. Trigger points can also cause referral pain in regions far away from the site of the trigger point or knot. This pain is typically sore and achy, though it may also cause stiffness and limited range of motion.

Common locations for trigger points include:

  • Shoulders
  • Elbows
  • Forearms
  • Scalp or temples
  • Hips
  • Gluteal area
  • Thighs
  • Calves
  • Feet

Trigger point injections can be used to reduce muscle pain as part of a comprehensive plan that may also include massage therapy, rest, heat or ice, anti-inflammatory medications, or physical therapy.

How is a trigger point injection performed?

Once the team determines you’re a candidate for a trigger point injection, your doctor locates the site of the trigger point by pressing on your muscle to find the most painful area and cleans the skin over the trigger point with rubbing alcohol.

You may sit or lay down during your injection, depending on what’s most comfortable. Your doctor uses a sterile syringe to inject the anesthetic and steroid solution. You may feel a mild pinching or stinging sensation as the injection is performed.

Afterwards, your doctor cleans your skin and bandages the area. The entire injection takes less than five minutes to complete.

What can I expect after a trigger point injection?

After your trigger point injection, you may notice mild soreness or numbness at the injection site for one to two days. The team may recommend that you avoid strenuous exercise for two or three days after treatment, though you can usually return to all your normal activities.

In most cases, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in your levels of muscle pain. The team may recommend multiple trigger point injections if you have many trigger points or referral pain over a large area.

To find out if trigger point injections can help you, call or schedule a visit at New Jersey Pain Management now.