Trigger point injections target specific “knots” within muscles to alleviate pain. Understanding the process and what sensations to expect can help ease apprehension. This article explores the typical experience of a trigger point injection, from the sensations during the procedure to the immediate aftermath, providing insights into managing discomfort.
Understanding the Sensation
The sensation during a trigger point injection varies among individuals. Many describe a brief stinging or burning as the needle enters the skin and muscle. When the needle tip reaches the trigger point, a temporary increase in pain may occur, often indicating the correct spot has been located. This discomfort can also manifest as cramping or a feeling akin to an electric shock.
A key sensation is an involuntary muscle twitch, known as a “local twitch response.” This brief contraction indicates the needle has effectively engaged the taut muscle band. While startling or uncomfortable, this twitch is a therapeutic sign. Some individuals may also experience referred pain, where discomfort is felt away from the injection site.
The Injection Process
Before the injection, a healthcare provider will position the patient for easy access to the affected muscle. The skin over the trigger point is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection. The provider will feel for the trigger point, which often feels like a small, sensitive knot or band within the muscle, and may mark its location on the skin.
Once the trigger point is located, the provider stabilizes the tissue, often by pinching it between their fingers. A thin needle, attached to a syringe, is then inserted directly into the trigger point. The practitioner may perform “pistoning,” where the needle is repeatedly inserted and retracted within the muscle without being fully withdrawn. This motion aims to elicit the muscle twitch response and help the muscle relax.
Injected substances include a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, and sometimes a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. Saline solution may be used, or the procedure may involve “dry needling,” where no substance is injected.
Minimizing Discomfort
Communicating with the healthcare provider is important for managing discomfort. Patients should inform their practitioner about any significant pain or anxiety. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, can help calm the nervous system and reduce muscle tension. Distracting oneself by listening to music or engaging in conversation can help redirect focus away from the injection.
Ensuring the muscle is relaxed before and during the injection contributes to a more comfortable experience. A topical numbing cream or an ice pack applied for about 15 minutes beforehand can temporarily numb the skin. Some practitioners use a quick, gentle tap on the injection site just before inserting the needle to distract the nerves. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and perceived pain.
What to Expect Afterward
Immediately following a trigger point injection, patients may experience numbness or tingling in the treated area for a few hours as the local anesthetic takes effect. Once the numbing medication wears off, soreness, tenderness, or a mild ache at the injection site is common. Bruising can also occur around the injected area.
This post-injection discomfort is typically mild and subsides within a few hours to a few days. To manage these effects, applying an ice pack for the first 24-48 hours can help reduce swelling and soreness. After this, applying heat can help relax the muscle. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used as needed.
It is advised to avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 to 48 hours to allow the muscle to recover, but gentle movement and stretching are encouraged. Many report immediate pain relief, while for others, full therapeutic effects may become noticeable within 24 to 72 hours.