Treatments > Myofascial Trigger Point Injection Therapy

Targeted Support for Myofascial Pain and Mobility

If you are dealing with persistent muscle pain, tightness, or reduced range of motion, you are not alone. Myofascial trigger points, often described as localized muscle knots, can interfere with daily activities and overall well-being. Myofascial trigger point injections are a medical procedure that may be considered as part of a care plan to address discomfort and limitations associated with myofascial pain syndrome. For some patients, this treatment may support pain management,
mobility, and rehabilitation goals.

Myofascial Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections may help address myofascial pain in areas such as the neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and lower back.

Myofascial pain refers to pain involving the muscles and the
connective tissue surrounding them.

Trigger points are painful “knots” in the muscles that may be sensitive to touch or pressure. They can develop after an injury, repetitive strain, or ongoing stress on muscle fibres, and may contribute to muscle tightness or a contracted state.

Trigger point injection therapy may involve a local anesthetic, sometimes with another medication such as a corticosteroid or botulinum toxin, depending on the patient and treatment plan. In
some cases, dry needling may be used without an injected substance.

Help Treat Myofascial Pain

Healthcare providers use trigger point injections to help treat myofascial pain. “Myo” means muscle and “fascial” means fascia, which refers to the thin, white connective tissue that is wrapped around every muscle.

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Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)

Trigger point injections are commonly used to manage the pain associated with MPS, a condition characterized by the presence of trigger points in muscles.

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Muscle Spasms

Trigger point injections may help relax affected muscles and
reduce spasms for some patients experiencing chronic muscle
tightness.

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Tension Headaches

Trigger points in the neck and shoulder muscles may contribute to tension headaches. Injections in these areas may help address headache symptoms for some patients.

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Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia refers to a chronic health condition that causes pain and tenderness throughout your body. Some individuals with this condition may benefit from trigger point injections to manage localized pain and muscle stiffness.

Benefits of Myofascial Trigger Point Injections

Myofascial trigger point injections may offer benefits for some individuals experiencing pain and muscle tension associated with trigger points.

Pain Relief

The primary goal of trigger point injections is to help address localized pain. A local anesthetic, and in some cases another medication, may be used as part of treatment to help reduce
pain and discomfort.

Muscle Relaxation

Trigger points are often associated with muscle spasms and tightness. Treatment may help ease muscle tension and
support improved flexibility for some patients.

Reduction of Headaches

Trigger points in the neck and shoulder muscles may contribute to tension headaches. Injections in these areas may help reduce headache frequency or intensity for some patients.

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How Myofascial Trigger Point Injections Work

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STEP 3

Identifying the Trigger Point

Depending on the location of the trigger point on your body, you may be sitting or laying down on an exam table. Your healthcare provider will cleanse your skin on the affected area with an alcohol pad, and may then mark the trigger point with a skin marker.

Relaxing the Muscles

Once your healthcare provider has identified the trigger point, they will stabilize the area and use a thin needle to treat the affected muscle. You may feel some discomfort or muscle twitching during the procedure. The provider will continue until the muscle response and treatment area have been adequately addressed.

Injecting the Local Anesthetic

Your healthcare provider may inject the area with a local anesthetic, with or without another medication such as a corticosteroid or botulinum toxin, based on your treatment plan. After the procedure, patients are typically able to return home.

Reasons to Get a Myofascial Trigger Point Injection

Individuals may consider getting myofascial trigger point injections if they are experiencing symptoms associated with myofascial pain syndrome or other conditions characterized by trigger points.

Alleviate Pain and Muscle Tightness

Patients may consider myofascial trigger point injections to help address pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome. This can include localized muscle pain that may be chronic or related to an injury. Because trigger points can be associated with muscle spasms and tightness, injections may help relax affected muscles and support improved comfort and flexibility.

Limited Range of Motion

Individuals experiencing restricted range of motion due to muscle tightness or trigger points may consider trigger point injections to help support improved movement and flexibility.

Chronic Pain Conditions

Trigger point injections may be considered for managing chronic pain conditions, such as chronic back pain or fibromyalgia, where trigger points contribute to the overall discomfort.

FAQ

Who should get a trigger point injection?

A myofascial trigger point injection may be considered if trigger point pain has not improved with other approaches, such as over-the-counter pain medication, heat therapy, massage therapy, or physical therapy. Trigger point injections are often used alongside physical therapy and stretching exercises. Before recommending an injection, your provider will complete an assessment and consider other possible causes of pain, such as muscle strain, spine-related concerns, radiculopathy, or structural causes of pain.

How common are trigger point injections?

Myofascial pain and trigger points are common concerns. Healthcare providers may assess and treat myofascial pain using approaches such as trigger point injections, physical therapy, and stretching exercises, depending on the patient’s needs.

How can I prepare for a trigger point injection?

Trigger points can be sensitive to touch, so some discomfort may occur when your provider locates the treatment area. You may also feel brief discomfort during the injection. Your provider will explain what to expect and can answer questions before the procedure.

Are trigger point injections painful?

Are there any risks or side effects of trigger point injections?

Trigger point injections are generally considered low risk when performed by an appropriately trained healthcare provider, but side effects and complications can occur. Possible side effects may include temporary discomfort, numbness, bruising, bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, or injury to a blood vessel. Your provider will review risks, aftercare, and what to watch for before or after treatment.