Trigger points are hard knots of muscle that contract but aren’t able to relax, which can cause chronic pain and decreased mobility. Trigger points may develop due to injury, overuse, stress and anxiety. Because they often irritate surrounding nerves, you may have referred pain in other areas of the body too. Our board-certified specialist Dr. Antigone Argyriou offers trigger point injections in Long Island. The procedure helps to relax the muscles and provide relief.
Benefits of Trigger Point Injections
Relieves Pain
Pain relief can sometimes be felt immediately with the full results evident 24 to 72 hours after the injections.
Safe and Non-Surgical
Trigger point injections have a low risk of side effects. Because treatment is non-surgical, there’s no downtime.
Quick
Depending on how many sites are being treated, the procedure generally only takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Who Can Benefit From Trigger Point Injections?
A trigger point injection, often abbreviated as TPI in medical speak, is indicated to help with myofascial pain, which is usually caused by one or more trigger points. Trigger point injections could be a good solution if your pain hasn’t improved with over-the-counter pain relievers, heat therapy, massage, myofascial release and other more conservative measures.
After examining you, discussing your concerns and going over your medical history, Dr. Argyriou will let you know if you’re a candidate for the treatment. While many of our patients receive trigger point injections for back pain, they can be used to treat nearly any muscle, including those in the:
- Head and face
- Jaw
- Neck
- Hip
- Buttocks
- Shoulders
What Happens During the Trigger Point Injections Procedure?
The trigger point injection procedure is fairly quick. Dr. Argyriou will palpate the affected area to find the precise location. She’ll insert a thin needle into the muscle and inject the trigger point with a local anesthetic, which is sometimes also combined with a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation.
While you’re numb, Dr. Argyriou will needle the trigger point from different angles until the knot relaxes. If you need injections for muscle pain in multiple areas, she can often do them in one appointment.
FAQ
How long do trigger point injections last?
Pain relief from trigger point injections lasts about a month, if not longer. Dr. Argyriou will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan and help you decide on the ideal frequency for injections.
Do trigger point injections really help?
Yes, trigger point injections really help. Not only do they alleviate pain, but the injections can also significantly improve your range of motion. For some patients, getting trigger point injections for back pain is the first step in their treatment plan. Once the muscles loosen, they’re able to more comfortably do physical therapy for long-term relief.
Are trigger point injections painful?
One of the first questions most patients have is, “How painful is the trigger point shot?” Well, trigger points themselves are usually painful when touched. So, when Dr. Argyriou is locating the trigger point manually and when the needle is first inserted, you may feel minor discomfort. However, the injection contains local anesthetic, so it will go away quickly.
What should I expect after trigger point injections?
You could have soreness at the injection site. This is generally mild and lasts for up to two days. Applying ice to the area can be helpful. After the procedure, you can go about your day, however, avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.
Less Pain, More Living
Find out how we can help you achieve freedom from pain. To get started, schedule a consultation with our Long Island spine surgeon today!
