Trigger point injection (TPI) may be an option in treating pain for some patients. TPI is a procedure used to treat painful areas of muscle that contain trigger points, or knots of muscle that form when muscles do not relax. Many times, such knots can be felt under the skin. Trigger points may irritate the nerves around them and cause referred pain, or pain that is felt in another part of the body.
Trigger Point Injection (TPI) Video:
Non-Surgical Procedure For Pain Relief
Trigger Point Injection (TPI) Patient Information
During a TPI procedure, a health care professional inserts a small needle into the patient's trigger point. The injection contains a local anesthetic that sometimes includes a corticosteroid. With the injection, the trigger point is made inactive and the pain is alleviated. Usually, a brief course of treatment will result in sustained relief. Injections are given in a doctor's office and usually take just a few minutes. Several parts of the body may be injected in one visit. If a patient has an allergy to a certain medication, a dry-needle technique (involving no medications) can be used.
TPI is used to treat many muscle groups, especially those in the neck, arms, lower back, and legs. TPI can also be used to treat fibromyalgia and tension headaches or migraines. Finally, a less medically publicized usage of TPI is used to alleviate myofascial pain syndrome, chronic pain involving tissue that surrounds muscle.
The content on NJCSPM is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please call 732-719-8148 for an immediate consultation or 911 if it is an emergency.
