Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points are described as hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle and are a common cause of pain. Treatment of trigger points and their pain complexes are handled by physiatrists, osteopaths, physical therapists and massage therapists.

Trigger points may be caused by a number of factors, including acute or chronic muscle overload or direct trauma to the region. Trigger points can appear in many myofascial structures including muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, and scar tissue. When present in muscles there is often pain and weakness in the associated structures. These pain patterns in muscles follow specific nerve pathways and have been readily mapped to allow for identification of the causative pain factors.

What are trigger point injections?

Trigger point injection therapy is a treatment used to relieve the pain and stiffness caused by trigger points in your muscles. Trigger points are like knots in your muscles, and they prevent your body parts from relaxing properly. In order to relieve trigger point tenderness, special injections containing “anesthetics” or “corticosteroids” are injected directly into each trigger point. These injections “shut down” the trigger points, providing quick and immediate relief from pain.

What happens after the Trigger Point Therapy?

Recovery from trigger point injection therapy is relatively quick and painless. Your pain symptoms should disappear within a few minutes of your injections. Physical Therapy is recommended before or after your injections, depending on each individual case. Stretching of the muscles enhances the effects of trigger point injections, so if you can, try to set up an appointment at one of our Trigger Point Therapy Clinic in NYC after your injections.

What are side effects of Trigger Point Injections?

The side effects of trigger point injections are minimal. Immediately following your injections you may notice:

• Lightheadedness
• Bruising around the injection site
• Pain around the injection site
• Tingling or burning as the anesthetic begins to take effect

It is imperative to know that if you notice persistent redness or swelling around the injection site you should contact our clinic in NYC for Trigger Point Therapy.