Trigger Point Injections
Trigger Point Injections offered in South Tampa; Hyde Park, Tampa, Brandon, Lakeland and Lakewood Ranch, FL
Discovering relief from myofascial pain can be achieved through trigger point injections, a widely-used procedure targeting painful knots in muscles. Whether you’re dealing with discomfort in your neck, shoulders, arms, legs, or lower back, trigger point injections could offer the solution you need.
Understanding Trigger Point Injections:
Trigger points are those sensitive knots in muscles that form due to acute trauma or repetitive micro-trauma, resulting in stress on muscle fibers. Trigger point injections play a crucial role in alleviating myofascial pain, where ‘myo’ refers to muscle and ‘fascial’ pertains to fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles.
Conditions Treated with Trigger Point Injections:
Trigger point injections are effective in addressing various musculoskeletal disorders. These include arthritis, ligament sprains, tendon and muscle strains, rotator cuff tears, and conditions like tension headaches or piriformis syndrome. These injections target specific muscle groups, such as the jaw, neck, hip, low back, shoulders, and head, aiming to provide relief and enhance overall muscle functionality.
Who Benefits from Trigger Point Injections:
Consider trigger point injections if your myofascial pain persists despite other treatments like over-the-counter medication, heat therapy, massage, or physical therapy. These injections are often combined with physical therapy to optimize their effectiveness, especially for those initially unable to participate in physical therapy due to intense pain.
Procedure Details:
Preparing for a trigger point injection requires no specific steps, but discussing your health, symptoms, and medications with your provider is crucial. During the procedure, your provider identifies and targets trigger points with a thin needle attached to a syringe.
Pain and Recovery:
Trigger point injections may cause some pain during the procedure, but this discomfort is often short-lived. You might experience a stinging sensation during needle insertion and an increase in pain when the needle contacts the trigger point, signifying correct placement. After the injection, you can resume normal activities, but strenuous activities are best avoided for a few days.
Benefits and Risks:
Trigger point injections offer a generally safe and effective means of relieving pain associated with trigger points. Benefits include pain relief, improved range of motion, and enhanced muscle functionality. Common side effects are temporary discomfort or numbness, treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. Complications are rare and may include bleeding, infection, bruising, or an allergic reaction to the anesthetic.
Recovery and Duration:
Pain relief from trigger point injections typically begins within 24 to 72 hours and can last for about a month. If pain persists, additional injections may be recommended for sustained relief.
Conclusion:
If you’re dealing with persistent myofascial pain resistant to conservative treatments, trigger point injections could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Schedule a consultation with our healthcare provider to explore this common and generally safe approach to managing trigger points and regaining control over your muscle health.