Do you have stubborn knots and/or ropey muscles that linger for weeks, or even months? Those are likely TRIGGER POINTS.
Wellness First Medical Center is your physical medicine source for joint pain relief and health enhancement. We treat these cases successfully in our Dickinson, TX clinic.
What is a Trigger Point?
A trigger point is a specific area within a muscle that has become tight and inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. These points often manifest as tender knots or tight bands that can be felt when touched. In a physical medicine practice, trigger point injections are administered to alleviate the pain associated with these sensitive areas and promote healing.
Causes of trigger points include:
- Muscle overuse: Prolonged or repetitive muscle activity can lead to the formation of trigger points.
- Poor posture: Maintaining improper posture for extended periods can strain muscles and create trigger points.
- Stress and tension: Emotional stress often leads to muscle tension, which can result in the development of trigger points.
- Muscle spasms: Sudden, involuntary contractions of muscles in the back can be triggered by overexertion, poor posture, or muscle strain.
- Injuries: Trauma to the muscle, such as from a sports injury or accident, can cause trigger points to form.
- Muscle imbalances: When certain muscles are weak or tight, other muscles have to compensate, increasing the likelihood of trigger point development.
In the US, trigger points are a common source of musculoskeletal pain, affecting millions of people every year. They can occur in individuals of any age, making them a common concern in both the general population and among athletes.
These trigger points usually arise when the underlying cause has been left untreated and can persist until the contributing factors are addressed.
How Do Trigger Point Therapy & Injections Work?
Trigger point treatment is used to help relieve pain caused by tight knots in your muscles, called trigger points.
During a typical treatment, the provider injects a very small medicinal to the area. The local anesthetic works by numbing the area, providing immediate pain relief, while it also helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing over time.
By addressing both pain and inflammation, trigger point injections help the tight muscles to relax and reduce discomfort. It’s important to follow a treatment regimen including specific stretching, posture and functional motion after the injection, as this can help prevent trigger points from coming back in the future.