Trigger Point Injection

A minimally invasive procedure to relieve muscle pain and tightness

A trigger point is a tight or tender area in a muscle that we can detect with a physical exam. Trigger points can cause pain where they’re located, known as localized pain, or pain in seemingly unrelated areas, called referred pain. In addition to being painful, trigger points can lead to a decreased range of motion in the affected muscles.

Trigger point injections, along with a rehabilitation program, can relieve these symptoms and help restore your normal muscle flexibility, function, and strength.

Pain Management Service, Newton-Wellesley Ambulatory Care Center
159 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617-243-6142

What to Expect From Your Trigger Point Injection

When you arrive for your procedure, one of our nurses will speak with you about what your muscle pain is like and how you manage daily activities. We’ll record the following vital health information:

• Allergies
• Blood pressure
• Brief health history
• Medications you’re currently taking
• Pulse
• Temperature
• Weight

It’s especially important to tell your nurse if you:

• Are allergic to contrast dye, Betadine (iodine), or latex
• Currently take blood thinners
• Have diabetes or could be pregnant

Next, you’ll discuss the treatment with your doctor, and we’ll help you onto a table. After we locate the trigger point being treated, we’ll clean your skin with antiseptic, and your doctor will inject medication into the trigger point to relax the area’s muscle spasms and improve blood flow to that area. The whole procedure takes less less than a minute.

You should plan to stay with us for about 15 to 20 minutes after your procedure. This allows the bone cement to harden and your sedative to wear off. During this time, a nurse will go over any questions you may have and review your discharge instructions and required follow-up care.

When You Go Home After Your Trigger Point Injection

After you go home, plan to rest and avoid activities that might aggravate your muscle pain. You likely will be able to return to work and exercise the day after your trigger point injection.

Some patients report more pain than usual after their trigger point injections after their anesthetic wears off because the steroid medication can irritate the nerves. Place ice on your injection site or take over-the-counter pain medications to ease any pain.

Many patients experience noticeable pain relief after their first or second injections, while some will need three injections. Don’t be discouraged if your pain isn’t relieved right away. Make a follow-up appointment with your doctor for an additional injection if needed.

Talk to your doctor for more information about receiving a referral for a trigger point injection, or call us at 617-243-6142 to request an appointment.