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Blue Ridge Pain Management Associates
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Interventional Procedures

Trigger Point Injections

Small injections into taut, tender muscle bands that release the knot and reduce referred pain.

Time in the office

A typical visit takes about 15 minutes total, since several trigger points can often be treated in the same short appointment.

When relief starts

Many patients notice looser, easier movement within a day or two, and relief commonly lasts from a few weeks to a few months, especially when paired with stretching and postural changes.

What it is

Trigger points are tight, tender bands within muscle that refer pain elsewhere. A trigger point injection uses a fine needle and a small amount of local anesthetic to release the band.

The mechanical disruption of the taut band is as important as the medication itself.

What to expect, step by step

The provider locates the trigger point by palpation — you will usually recognize the spot immediately.

Several points can be treated in one visit; the whole appointment usually takes 15 minutes.

A brief muscle twitch during the injection is normal and is a good sign.

Recovery

You may return to your day immediately.

Soreness for 24 to 48 hours is common; heat and gentle stretching help.

Stretching in the days after treatment strongly influences how long the relief lasts.

Typical results

Many patients notice looser movement within a day or two.

Relief typically lasts weeks to months, longer when combined with stretching and postural work.

Repeat treatment is straightforward when needed.

Risks and considerations

Serious complications are uncommon, but no procedure is risk-free and you deserve the honest version before you consent.

  • Brief soreness or a bruised feeling at the injection site for a day or two
  • Small risk of bleeding or infection at the needle site
  • Temporary muscle twitching or spasm immediately after the injection
  • Lightheadedness during the injection, which usually resolves quickly with rest
  • Relief that fades if the underlying posture or activity pattern causing the trigger point is not addressed

Common questions

Does the injection have to hit the exact trigger point?
Yes, and most patients actually recognize the spot when the provider palpates it, often describing it as their familiar knot. A brief twitch during the injection is a good sign that the taut band was engaged.
What medication is used?
Typically a small volume of local anesthetic, sometimes without any steroid, since the mechanical release of the tight muscle band is often as important as the medication itself.
Can I exercise right after treatment?
Gentle stretching is encouraged in the days that follow and can meaningfully extend how long the relief lasts. Strenuous exercise of the treated muscle is best delayed until the initial soreness settles, usually within a day or two.
How often can these injections be repeated?
There is no strict limit like there is with steroid injections, since most trigger point injections use only local anesthetic. Repeat treatment is straightforward when a trigger point recurs.

Conditions this treats

Trigger Point Injections is most often recommended for the conditions below, once the source of pain has been confirmed.

Related treatments

Ready to get a real diagnosis?

Most patients are seen within two weeks. Call our office or send a request and our staff will help you choose the most convenient location.

Call 540-444-5670