Trigger Point Injection Treatment

They are generally the most sensitive point along a tight muscle band and they often feel like a nodule(s). However, they can also comprise the whole muscle. When compressed the pain is not only at that location but can refer to distant sites in the body (known as referred pain). It can also give rise to autonomic phenomena including visual disturbances, redness and tearing of eyes, dizziness and unsteadiness reduction in blood flow to an area or areas and skin temperature changes. Some of these points are latent, or non-active in that they do not disturb function but others are very active and do disturb

The hypothesis is that when muscles are strained in certain ways they then might develop into these tight areas. Drs. Travell and Simons have studied these areas extensively and one of the ways they can be treated includes Trigger point injections. Other ways include massage therapy, stretch and spray, and acupuncture techniques such as IMS (Intramuscular stimulation) or GTT (Gokavi Transverse Technique).

Trigger point injection treatment involves injecting small amounts of buffered solution into the trigger points causing their release and allowing the muscles to loosen.

Weekly treatments are needed and often over time there are fewer and fewer injections being required with either occasional or no more treatments required.