Myofascial Trigger Point Injections

What are myofascial trigger points?
Myofascial trigger points are felt to be hyperirritable local areas within muscles and fascia often experienced as “muscular knots”. Trigger points are diagnosed by palpation and may refer pain to other regions like the head, shoulder, arm, hip, buttock or leg. Initially, trigger points generally respond to a program of stretching, strengthening and correction of poor postural mechanics. Trigger point injections should be reserved for patients who have not responded in the first four to six weeks to a properly directed rehabilitative program and appropriate pharmacologic intervention.

What is the basis behind trigger point injections and how can this form of treatment help?

A small needle is placed 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 physical therapy will result in sustained relief. Injections are given in the doctor's office and usually take just a few minutes. Several sites may be injected in one visit. If a patient has an allergy to a certain drug, a dry-needle technique (involving no medications) can be used.