Procedure Description
A trigger point injection (TPI) is a simple, in-office procedure used to treat painful muscle knots, known as trigger points, which can form in muscle and fascia tissue. These tight bands of muscle fibers can cause localized pain or refer pain to other parts of the body, contributing to conditions like myofascial pain syndrome and tension headaches.
The injection involves inserting a small needle into the trigger point and delivering a local anesthetic (and sometimes a corticosteroid or saline solution) to relax the muscle, improve blood flow, and relieve pain.
What It Treats
Trigger point injections are commonly used to relieve:
Myofascial pain syndrome
Tension-type headaches
Fibromyalgia (as part of a multimodal approach)
Localized muscle spasms or tightness
Chronic neck, shoulder, or back pain
Referred pain from irritated muscle bands
Pain following overuse, strain, or injury
Common areas treated include the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and trapezius muscles, although trigger points can form in almost any skeletal muscle.
How It Is Performed
You will be seated or lying down in a comfortable position.
The skin over the painful area is cleansed, and the provider palpates to locate the trigger point.
A small needle is inserted directly into the muscle knot.
A local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a steroid or saline, is injected into the tight band of muscle.
The needle may be moved slightly within the knot to disrupt the spasm (a technique called dry needling if no medication is injected).
The injection site is bandaged, and you may be asked to gently stretch the muscle afterward.
The procedure takes only a few minutes per site and is usually well-tolerated with minimal discomfort.
Pre-Procedure Instructions
No special preparation is required; you may eat and take medications as usual unless otherwise instructed.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the treatment area.
Inform your provider if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners
Have any allergies to anesthetics or steroids
Have an infection near the treatment area
What to Expect After the Procedure
You may experience immediate relief, especially from the local anesthetic.
Some soreness or bruising at the injection site is common and usually resolves within 1–2 days.
Applying ice and gently stretching the treated muscle can help reduce post-injection discomfort.
Pain relief may last from days to several weeks, depending on the underlying cause.
You may return to normal activities immediately, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for 24 hours.
Multiple trigger points may be treated in one session, and repeat injections may be scheduled if needed for ongoing relief.
Call your provider if you experience:
Severe pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
Signs of infection (fever, chills)
Unusual numbness, weakness, or allergic reaction
Quick, Effective Treatment for Muscle-Related Pain
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we offer trigger point injections as a safe, efficient, and non-surgical treatment for muscle pain, spasms, and tension headaches. These injections can help restore your range of motion, relieve tension, and support physical therapy or rehab efforts.
👉 Schedule your appointment today to see if trigger point injections are right for your muscle pain.