Trigger Point Injections (TPI) are a popular and effective way to manage pain caused by muscle knots or trigger points. On average, the relief provided by a TPI lasts for about 30 days. However, the duration of the medication may vary depending on the severity of the injury or condition. The frequency of injections also affects how long you don't feel pain.
Your doctor will help you develop an effective treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. The type of medication contained in the injection determines how often you can receive it. If only anesthetics are used, injections can be taken at intervals of one month. Steroid medications, however, cannot be injected as often due to their potential complications. The effects of a steroid on trigger-point injections can last from several weeks to several months. After receiving a TPI, patients are advised to refrain from strenuous activities for a few days.
Most people experience pain relief within 24 to 72 hours after the injection. This relief may last for about a month, but recurrent injections may be needed to achieve long-term pain relief. Common trigger points are found in the trapezius and rhomboid muscles, which are located in the upper back and behind the shoulders. Dry needling on trigger points is another recommended treatment for relieving pain. During this procedure, a provider inserts a fine needle through the skin until it reaches the trigger points. Your healthcare provider will use a small needle to inject the contents of the injection directly into the specific area where the trigger point is located.
Trigger points in the head, neck and shoulders can contribute to tension headaches and migraines. After trigger-point injections, you may experience a dramatic improvement in pain and ability to perform various activities without needing to take pain medications for several days or months. Trigger points usually form in patterns all over the body, usually in places where blood circulation is already low. However, trigger point injections are still one of the most effective treatments for deactivating trigger points and provide almost immediate relief. Your provider creates a personalized plan based on the number of trigger points you have and your level of pain.
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