Trigger point injections (TPI) are minimally invasive procedures to ease muscle pain and relieve movement restrictions due to myofascial trigger points, commonly called “knots,” points of adhesion within soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system.
At Commonwealth Pain Management and Wellness in Richmond, Virginia, family nurse practitioner Savitri Gopaul and our team specialize in pain relief treatments, including TPI. It’s a common and effective way to treat muscle tension, myofascial pain, and patterns of referred pain.
The goal of TPI treatment is to support long-lasting relief by breaking up the chronic knots, sections of tissue caught in a semipermanent contraction. The TPI starts a localized repair cascade, through which your body begins its own repair process.
Let’s take a look at how you can get the most out of your trigger point injection session.
Injections into trigger points take several forms. The most basic form is called dry needling, and it’s just that, a needle inserted into a trigger point to start the healing response, which is how the problem really resolves.
Because a trigger point is a neuromuscular dysfunction rather than a true injury, your body doesn’t attach the same priority to it. The needle in a TPI changes the arrangement, creating a small, controlled injury to which your body responds with healing activity.
Other forms of TPI can work beyond the effects of dry needling. The next step in the pain relief cycle adds anesthetic to the injection, providing on-the-spot pain relief. Corticosteroids add a powerful anti-inflammatory effect that can last for months.
Botulinum toxin neuromodulators and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are other possible additives to enhance pain relief and healing.
Getting the most out of your TPI treatment starts before your appointment. Choose comfortable clothing that makes it easy to access your target area. Top up your hydration in the days ahead of your session.
Let us know about any changes in your condition or medications you’re taking.
There’s usually no need for recovery after your session. The impact on your body is similar to that of having a blood test or allergy shot. We might recommend resting or avoiding exertion.
Otherwise, you may have minor irritation or swelling around the site of the injection. This typically resolves overnight. Occasionally, there may be treatments for which we anticipate numbness in your driving leg. In this case, we would instruct you to arrange a ride ahead of your treatment.
We encourage gentle movement after a TPI treatment, including walking, light stretching, and perhaps some physical therapy exercises to improve blood flow to the treatment area. Stimulating circulation speeds healing.
TPI therapy may be the light-duty treatment that tips the healing balance in your favor. Learn more by contacting us at Commonwealth Pain Management and Wellness to schedule your consultation today.
