Trigger point injection, or TPI, may be an option for treating pain in some patients. Candidates for trigger point injections are for people who have ongoing muscle pain—particularly “knots” or extremely tight muscles, or fibromyalgia pain that has not improved with other treatment, including pain medication and physical therapy. TPI is a procedure used to treat painful areas of muscle that contain trigger points, or knots of muscle that form when muscles do not relax. Many times, such knots can be felt under the skin. Trigger points may irritate the nerves around them and cause referred pain, or pain that is felt in another part of the body.

Trigger point injections are the second treatment option after patient have taken NSAID medication such as Tylenol, Advil, etc., and found no relief after taking the medications. Allopathic use of these injections contain either a steroid (cortisone) or a Naturopathic Medical Doctor will use a plant-based medicine, Sarapin, to loosen the trigger point and reduce pain. Trigger point injections are a pain management treatment that involves injecting a local anesthetic such as Lidocaine, sometimes combined with a steroid medication, into a trigger point to relax the muscles and to relieve pain.

Most people experience pain relief starting between 24 and 72 hours after the trigger point injection procedure. Pain relief typically lasts for about a month.

At our clinic, we use 5% Dextrose and a small amount of lidocaine. We may use Toradol if the patient’s condition does not improve.

What not to do after trigger points injection: Doing high-energy exercises, such as running, jogging, or aerobics. No lifting of objects over 20 lbs.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes! We want to make sure you get the quality time you deserve. Click on the Schedule Now button to request an appointment with Dr. Spat, or call our clinic at (623) 932-4060.