Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections (TPI) are a medical procedure used to treat painful areas of muscle known as trigger points. These trigger points are often associated with muscle knots or tight bands that cause localized pain and may restrict movement. Trigger points may develop from repetitive movements, trauma or increased strain on a muscle.
TPI at Innovation Medical involve the injection of Lidocaine, a local anesthetic, and Ketorolac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, directly into these trigger points to relieve pain and promote muscle relaxation. In this article, we will explore trigger point injections in more detail, including their purpose, procedure process, potential benefits, and considerations.
Purpose of Trigger Point Injections:
Trigger point injections serve several purposes in the management of muscle-related pain:
Pain Relief: The primary purpose of trigger point injections is to alleviate pain associated with trigger points. By delivering medication directly into the trigger point, TPI can provide pain relief and reduce muscle tension.
Muscle Relaxation: Trigger point injections can help relax and loosen tight muscles, allowing for improved flexibility, range of motion, and function.
Diagnostic Tool: In some cases, trigger point injections can be used as a diagnostic tool to confirm whether a specific trigger point is the source of pain. If the injection provides significant pain relief, it suggests that the trigger point is contributing to the pain.
The Trigger Point Injection Procedure:
The trigger point injection procedure typically involves the following steps:
Evaluation and Preparation: Before the procedure, Crysty Frick, NP-c will evaluate your condition, review your medical history, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have. She will assess the location and characteristics of your pain to identify the trigger points that require treatment.
Injection: The skin overlying the trigger point is cleansed. Crysty Frick, NP-c will then use a thin needle to inject the medication directly into the trigger point. The medication used includes a local anesthetic, Lidocaine, which provides immediate pain relief, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that helps reduce inflammation and provide longer-term relief.
Post-Injection Care: After the injection, she will provide specific instructions for post-injection care. This may include stretching, applying ice to the injection sites or using heat therapy to help with muscle relaxation.
Potential Benefits of Trigger Point Injections:
Trigger point injections can provide several potential benefits:
Pain Relief: By delivering medication directly into the trigger point, TPI can provide targeted and often immediate pain relief. This can help individuals manage acute or chronic pain caused by trigger points.
Muscle Relaxation: The medication injected into the trigger point can help relax and release muscle tension, allowing for improved mobility, flexibility, and reduced muscle spasms.
Improved Function: With pain relief and muscle relaxation, trigger point injections can enhance an individual’s ability to perform daily activities, participate in physical therapy, and engage in rehabilitative exercises.
Reduction in Medication Dependency: Trigger point injections can reduce the need for oral pain medications or muscle relaxants, which may have systemic side effects or pain medications.
Enhanced Quality of Life: By relieving pain and improving muscle function, trigger point injections can enhance an individual’s overall quality of life, allowing them to resume activities they previously avoided due to pain.
It’s important to note that the duration of pain relief and the effectiveness of trigger point injections can vary among individuals and depend on factors such as the underlying condition, trigger point location, and the specific medication used.
Considerations and Potential Risks:
While trigger point injections are generally safe, there are considerations to be aware of:
Temporary Relief: Trigger point injections often provide temporary relief, and the duration of pain relief can vary among individuals. Some individuals may require multiple injections or a combination of therapies for sustained pain management.
Soreness or Bruising: It is common to experience temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site. Applying ice or heat and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate these symptoms.
Consultation and Follow-up:
Before undergoing trigger point injections, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as Crysty Frick, NP-c. She will evaluate your condition, discuss the potential benefits and risks of trigger point injections, and determine if it is an appropriate treatment option for you.
Follow-up care may include monitoring the response to the injection, assessing pain relief, and adjusting the treatment plan as needed. It’s important to communicate any changes or concerns to your healthcare professional during follow-up visits.
In conclusion, trigger point injections are a valuable medical procedure used to relieve pain and promote muscle relaxation in the presence of trigger points. By directly delivering medication to these localized areas, TPI can provide targeted pain relief and improve muscle function that is safe and effective.
Crysty has more than 11 years of experience and extensive training in trigger point injections. Schedule your appointment today.