Trigger Point Injections

Are muscle knots causing relentless pain? We get it — chronic tension can drain your energy and make daily life miserable. At Austin Sports Medicine, our board-certified orthopedic specialists offer trigger point injections for fast, targeted relief. With locations in Austin, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas, you’ve always got a place to come for help close to home. Same-day and next-day visits are available. Call our office or click the online appointment feature to get started.

What are trigger point injections?

Trigger point injections are a treatment for muscle pain caused by tight knots, aka trigger points. They develop when a muscle stays tight for too long and can’t relax. Many things can contribute to trigger points, including: 

• Overworking certain muscles but not others (leading to imbalances) 
• Excessive strain on muscles
• Poor posture
• Injuries
• Scar tissue from prior injuries

A lesser-known contributor to trigger points is acetylcholine (ACh,) a chemical in your muscles. When muscles experience prolonged stress or trauma, a flood of ACh may occur. This can lead to longer muscle contractions and the development of a trigger point. 

When might I need trigger point injections?

The first-line therapy for trigger points is conservative care, such as physical therapy, heat therapy, and therapeutic massage. If you don’t get adequate relief with those measures, trigger point injections could be next. 

Patients who often find relief through trigger point injections include those struggling with fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and tension headaches. However, they may be a good option for chronic muscle knots in the lower back, neck, arms, or legs.

What is the trigger point injection process?

Trigger point injections are an outpatient procedure at Austin Sports Medicine. During the procedure, your doctor injects a local anesthetic — typically lidocaine or procaine — directly into the trigger point. 

Sometimes, the injection also contains a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation quickly. The injection deactivates the trigger point, forcing the muscle knot to relax. 

Some patients have anesthesia allergies, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of luck regarding trigger point treatment. Our experienced specialists can also use a dry needling technique to force the knotted muscles to relax.

Depending on your areas of pain, your doctor may treat multiple trigger points during the same treatment session. 

What can I expect after trigger point injections?

It’s not unusual to have some short-term numbness or mild discomfort around the injection area. Mild bruising is also possible, but these symptoms recede rapidly. 

Your doctor may recommend using ice and/or heat packs on the treated area. These directions can vary based on what medications were in your trigger point injection. You’ll also receive guidelines for returning to regular activities. Usually, this involves avoiding strenuous physical activity for at least a few days.  

If muscle knots and tightness make it hard to live your life to the fullest, call Austin Sports Medicine or book your appointment using our online feature.