Trigger Point Injection (TPI) is a treatment for painful areas of the muscles that contain knots of muscles or trigger points that are formed when the muscles do not relax. Often, these knots can be felt under your skin, and they can cause sudden movement within them when touched.
This can then lead to those painful areas which may require TPI treatment. TPI is also used to treat myofascial pain syndrome. This is also a form of chronic pain in the tissues that surround the muscles.
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What Exactly are These Trigger Points?
In simpler terms, trigger points are ‘knots’ in your muscles that can cause pain and discomfort and limit your mobility. The myofascial pain mentioned above is when there is continuous chronic pain in these knots that can be caused by stress on the muscle fibres. These trigger points can be developed due to various reasons like acute trauma, repetitive movements or chronic muscle strain.
Trigger Point Injections:
Now that we know about trigger points, let’s talk about the treatment, the Trigger Point Injections. This is a procedure to deal with trigger point pain, wherein a small amount of local anaesthetic, is injected directly into the trigger point. Once injected, the combined solution can help relax the pain and discomfort caused by the trigger point, allowing the muscle to relax as a whole and interrupt the pain cycle.
There are a few cases where dry needling is performed. In this case, no solution is injected. Instead, just the dry needle’s penetration is enough to relax the muscle tension and begin the healing process.
The TPI Procedure:
The TPI procedure is simple and straightforward and is a chairside procedure . Here are the most common steps involved in a TPI procedure:
- First, the muscle trigger point is located, and based on that, the patient is asked to either have a seat or lie down on an examination table.
- Next, to prevent any sort of infection during the procedure, the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- We then examine the area by touching the skin to locate the exact spot of the trigger point.
- Then, the main procedure of TPI begins. A thin needle is injected into the trigger point. This has 0.2 ml of local anaesthetic agent . The patient undergoing this procedure may feel a brief period of discomfort when the needle enters the trigger point.
- After the solution is injected, the needle is taken out, and you will be given ice cubes to apply over the injected area.
What are the Benefits of TPI Treatment?
One of the biggest benefits of TPI treatment is the significant relief it provides from myofascial pain. This can be beneficial, especially for those who have tried physical therapy, massages, pain medication, etc., for their treatment and haven’t found relief in any approaches. Some other benefits of TPI include:
- There is a significant visible pain relief that is seen among patients after their injection. Some can feel the difference immediately, and some take weeks to see improvement.
- TPI treatment reduces and improves tension in your muscles. This can automatically improve the flexibility and motion in your body.
- In some cases, physical therapy, stretching, and other forms of physical treatment can be painful. In this case, reducing pain through TPI can make all the other treatments tolerable and effective.
Are There any Risks or Side Effects of the TPI Treatment?
TPI treatment is generally a very safe option to go for. Some rare potential side effects might include:
- Temporary soreness/numbness in the injected area
- Slight bleeding/bruising
- Rare chances of infection/allergic reaction to the injected substances
About Aftercare and the Recovery stage:
The aftercare process of TPI treatment is very minimal. Most patients undergoing this process can return to their day-to-day activities almost immediately.
However, it is advisable to avoid any exhaustive activity for the next few days of the treatment. In a few cases, patients might feel temporary numbness or soreness, and that will eventually reduce within a few hours or a few days.
Conclusion:
TPI treatment is a valuable option for people experiencing myofascial pain syndrome and other issues related to muscle knots. By treating the knots directly at their source of pain, TPI treatment can offer almost immediate and significant relief from the chronic pain that people usually experience in this situation.
So, if you are facing any muscle-related issues, talk to us and find out if TPI is a viable treatment option for you.
FAQs
How long does the pain relief from TPI last?
The duration of pain relief can vary from person to person. Some may experience relief for a few weeks depending on if all the trigger points are released , while others may benefit for several months to years.
Is TPI painful?
The injection may cause temporary discomfort, especially as the needle enters the trigger point. However, this pain is typically brief.
How many TPI sessions will I need?
The number of TPI sessions varies based on the individual’s response to treatment. Some may find relief after one session, while others may require multiple injections over time. Usually TPI is given once weekly for 3 weeks per site.
Can TPI cure myofascial pain syndrome?
TPI is a treatment, not a cure. It can provide significant relief from symptoms but may need to be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.