Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections are performed in patients with pinpoint muscle spasms that refer pain to distant areas (aka ‘trigger points’). A needle is inserted into the trigger point in multiple directions in order to obtain a jump or twitch response in the muscle. Once this occurs, a numbing medication with or without a steroid is injected. The purpose is to deactivate the muscle spasm. These may be performed frequently, as long as a steroid is not used too often.

Sometimes, other substances (or even no substances) are used in persistent trigger point areas. PRP can be injected to help improve healing and reduce inflammation. Prolotherapy can be used, in which simply sugar water is injected in the area. Dry needling involves placing a tiny needle into the trigger area in the muscle without injecting anything.