In brief
- Trigger points are hyper-irritable knots in muscle tissue that form when a muscle fails to relax, and they often cause referred pain elsewhere.
- The procedure is very brief, and several trigger points can be treated in one session.
- Expect a slight bruised feeling for 24 to 48 hours; heat or gentle stretching helps.
- No driving restriction. Peak relief typically develops over 3 to 7 days.
Understanding your diagnosis
Trigger points are hyper-irritable knots in your muscle tissue that form when a muscle fails to relax. These tight bands can be painful to the touch and often cause referred pain, where the discomfort radiates to other parts of the body. Common in the upper back, shoulders, and neck, these knots can restrict your range of motion and lead to chronic tension headaches or localized muscle fatigue.
The treatment
A trigger point injection is a targeted therapy used to break the cycle of muscle pain and spasm. During the procedure, a small needle is inserted directly into the core of the trigger point. A specialized mixture of local anesthetic, and sometimes a mild anti-inflammatory, is injected to inactivate the knot. This allows the muscle to finally relax, improving blood flow to the area and providing rapid relief from localized and radiating pain.
Our approach
Dr. Pugh identifies the exact source of your muscular tension through a detailed physical exam and uses ultrasound guidance to deliver the medication with precision. By addressing the root of the muscle spasm, we help you bridge the gap to successful physical therapy and long-term postural health.
Before your procedure
Medication holds
Our office will tell you which medications to hold and for how long, following the same blood-thinner guidelines as our other procedures.
Fasting, sedation, and your ride home
- If you are receiving sedation, nothing to eat or drink for six hours before your appointment. Essential morning medications may be taken with a small sip of water only.
- We offer light or deep sedation. The level is decided by the physician and anesthesia team based on the procedure and clinical need.
- Any patient receiving sedation must be accompanied by a responsible adult driver to take them home.
Where to go
Procedures are performed at one of three facilities: our clinic at 1925 Hospital Place, ACOM at 6449 Central Park Blvd, or Hendrick South at 6399 Directors Pkwy, Suite 100. Your appointment paperwork tells you which one. Please arrive early for registration and pre-procedure preparation.
Procedure day
- Performed in a comfortable, private-practice setting.
- The procedure is very brief, often taking only a few minutes.
- Multiple trigger points can often be treated in a single session.
- You can resume most normal daily activities immediately.
Benefits
- Rapid muscle relaxation: quickly alleviates painful knots unresponsive to massage or stretching.
- Reduces referred pain: eliminates radiating symptoms and headaches from muscle tension.
- Enhanced mobility: restores comfortable movement for rehabilitative exercises.
Recovery
- Immediate softening: muscle relaxation begins soon after the injection.
- Post-procedure care: expect a slight bruised feeling for 24 to 48 hours; heat or gentle stretching is recommended for optimal results.
- Lasting results: targeted sessions can lead to long-lasting relief with proper ergonomics and movement.
Afterward: what to expect
- The window. You may feel immediate, temporary relief for several hours due to the local anesthetic.
- The flare. Expect a potential temporary increase in localized soreness or a bruised sensation for 2 to 5 days if a steroid was used. Use ice packs (20 minutes on, 20 off) for localized soreness.
- Results. Peak clinical relief typically occurs between 3 and 7 days after the injection.
- Blood glucose. If a steroid was included, expect a temporary rise in blood glucose that usually resolves within a few days. Diabetic patients should monitor their sugar levels closely for 48 to 72 hours after the procedure.
Activity
Wound care
Your procedure in one paragraph
You have undergone trigger point injections, a targeted procedure designed to treat muscle tension, inflammation, and taut muscle knots. We have delivered a concentrated blend of local anesthetic and, where indicated, an anti-inflammatory steroid directly into the muscles and fascial layers to reduce swelling, decrease pain signals, and restore smooth movement in the affected area.
Follow-up schedule
- 1
1 month
Formal functional assessment of how well the injections worked.
Call us right away if you notice
- New or worsening leg weakness, numbness, or foot drop
- Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control
- Fever above 101.5°F, chills, or drainage at the site
- A severe headache that worsens when sitting or standing
This guide is the same information as the printed handout from Abilene Pain. It is general information and does not replace the instructions your care team gives you at your visit. Your care team: Nicolas Pugh, MD · Adrianne Anders, NP · Ted Chaka, PA.