Patient handout · Pain treatments
Trigger Point Injections
What it is
Trigger points are tight, sore knots in a muscle. A trigger point injection puts a small amount of medicine into the knot. This may help the muscle relax and ease pain.
Why it is done
- Myofascial pain with identifiable trigger points
- Muscle pain that limits participation in therapy
- Patients who prefer an office-based option
What to expect
- Before: The doctor examines you to find the sore knots in the muscle.
- During: This is a quick office visit. A small needle puts medicine into each knot. It takes only a few minutes.
- After: The muscle may be sore for a day or two. Gentle stretching, as shown, may help.
Self-care tips
- Rest the day of your injection. Most people return to light activity the next day.
- Ice on the site for 15 to 20 minutes may ease soreness.
- Keep a pain diary for 2 weeks to share with us.
- Keep taking your usual medicines unless we tell you otherwise.
When to call us
- Fever or chills
- Redness, swelling, warmth or drainage where the needle went in
- Pain that is much worse than before, or new weakness or numbness
- A bad headache that is worse when you sit or stand
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
This handout is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.