Trigger Point Therapy

A trigger point can be a debilitating source of pain, characterised by an irritable, taut muscle band or knot that may cause localised pain or referred pain to other parts of the body. In fact, referred pain from trigger points can mimic pinched nerves in the neck or lower back, which can be a source of confusion for many patients. Trigger points can develop from direct muscle injuries, poor posture, repetitive strain or secondary to spine conditions.

Fortunately, trigger point injections can help alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by these stubborn knots. The goal of a trigger point injection is to relax the area of an intense muscle spasm, thereby improving blood flow to the area and allowing for the washout of irritating metabolites. In doing so, trigger point injections can be an important part of treating myofascial pain syndrome and, in some cases, fibromyalgia.

Trigger point injections are generally used as one part of a broader management plan that may also include activity modification, physiotherapy and an exercise program. They are not a cure for chronic pain on their own, and results vary between individuals. If you have pain that may be coming from muscle trigger points, we can assess whether trigger point injections are a reasonable option for you and discuss the alternatives.