What Is a Trigger Point Injection?

A trigger point injection (TPI) is a medical treatment used to relieve muscle pain and tension caused by trigger points—tight, painful knots in the muscle that form when muscles fail to relax. These knots can cause localized pain or even refer pain to other areas of the body. If you have persistent muscle pain, trigger point injections may be an effective solution to help restore movement and improve quality of life.

During the procedure, a healthcare provider injects a small amount of local anesthetic mixed with dextrose, saline, or corticosteroid directly into the trigger point. This helps relax the muscle, improve blood flow, and reduce pain and inflammation. It can help reduce unexplained pain that is distant from the trigger point itself. 

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History of Trigger Point Injections

The concept of treating muscle pain with injections dates back in 1942, when Dr. Janet Travell, a pioneer in pain management, first identified and mapped trigger points in the body.  She describes these points :

• Pain related to a discrete, irritable point in skeletal muscle or fascia, not caused by acute local trauma, inflammation, degeneration, neoplasm or infection.

• The painful point can be felt as a nodule or band in the muscle, and a twitch response can be elicited on stimulation of the trigger point.

• Palpation of the trigger point reproduces the patient's complaint of pain, and the pain radiates in a distribution of the muscle and/or nerve. Patients can have a trigger point in their upper trapezius and when compressed feel pain in their forearm, hand and fingers (S. Goldfinch)

 

She used injections to help relieve muscle-related pain, particularly in patients with chronic conditions like myofascial pain syndrome. Her work became widely recognized when she served as President John F. Kennedy’s personal physician, helping him manage his chronic back pain with trigger point therapy.

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How Do Trigger Point Injections Work?

The injection works in several ways

• Interrupts the pain cycle – The anesthetic numbs the trigger point, stopping the pain signals sent to the brain.

• Relaxes the muscle – The injection helps release the tight knot, improving range of motion.

• Reduces inflammation – If a corticosteroid is used, it can help reduce swelling and irritation in the muscle.

• Stimulates blood flow – Increased circulation helps flush out toxins and promote healing.

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What Conditions Can TPI Help With?

Trigger point injections are commonly used to treat:

• Myofascial pain syndrome (chronic muscle pain and knots)

•  Fibromyalgia (to reduce muscle pain and tenderness)

•  Tension headaches (caused by tight muscles in the neck and shoulders)

•  Chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain

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What to Expect During the Procedure

• Quick and minimally invasive – The injection is typically quick and minimally invasive, often taking just a few minutes.

• Mild discomfort – You may feel slight pressure or a pinch when the needle is inserted.

• Fast relief – Most patients experience relief shortly after the procedure, though some may need multiple treatments for long-term results.

• Minimal downtime – You can resume normal activities shortly after, with only minor soreness at the injection site.