If you’ve ever experienced a tight knot in your muscle that just won’t go away, no matter how much you stretch, massage, or rest, you may be dealing with a trigger point. These sensitive areas of tension can cause localized pain and affect other parts of the body. At BBC Health in Lewisville, TX, we offer trigger point injections as part of our integrative approach to pain relief and physical wellness.
What Are Trigger Points?
A trigger point is a small, tight band of muscle fibers that stays contracted even when the rest of the muscle is relaxed. These knots can form after injury, overuse, poor posture, or ongoing stress. When touched, they may feel tender or hard, and they can cause aching pain that radiates outward.
Trigger points often develop in the neck, shoulders, upper back, and hips, but they can appear in almost any muscle group. Left untreated, they may limit your range of motion, interfere with sleep, or contribute to chronic tension and discomfort.
What Are Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger point injections (TPIs) are a minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting a small amount of medication directly into the trigger point. The goal is to relax the knotted muscle fibers, reduce inflammation, and provide fast, targeted pain relief.
In most cases, the injection contains a local anesthetic (like lidocaine) to numb the area and calm the nerve signals coming from the muscle. In some situations, a small amount of corticosteroid may be added to reduce inflammation.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes and can provide both short-term relief and long-term improvement when combined with other therapies like physical rehabilitation, chiropractic care, or stretching routines.
How Do Trigger Point Injections Work?
When a trigger point is injected, the needle disrupts the contracted muscle fibers and encourages them to release. The medication reduces pain and inflammation in the area, allowing blood flow to return and healing to begin.
Many patients feel immediate relief after the injection, with further improvement over the following days. Releasing the tight band of muscle also helps correct posture, reduce referred pain, and restore function to the surrounding area.
Areas of the Body That Can Be Treated
Trigger point injections are most commonly used to treat painful knots in:
- Neck and shoulders – Often related to stress, posture, or long hours at a desk
- Upper and lower back – A common site for trigger points following strain or overuse
- Hips and glutes – Trigger points here can cause pain when sitting, walking, or standing
- Thighs and hamstrings – Tension can develop after sports injuries or repetitive movement
- Jaw and temples – In some cases, TPIs may help with tension headaches or TMJ-related discomfort
Because trigger points can cause referred pain where the pain is felt in a different location than the actual knot, treatment requires a skilled provider who can assess the root cause and target the correct muscle.
Who May Benefit from Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger point injections can be helpful for people with:
- Chronic neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Tension headaches or migraines related to muscle tightness
- Fibromyalgia with myofascial pain
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Pain that doesn’t respond well to massage, stretching, or physical therapy alone
- Post-injury tightness that’s limiting recovery
- Localized muscle pain that worsens with use or stress
Trigger point injections are especially useful when a single, specific knot is creating widespread discomfort or interfering with mobility.
What to Expect After Treatment
After the injection, the treated area may feel sore for a day or two, similar to how a muscle feels after a deep massage. Applying ice or gentle movement can help ease this soreness. Most people return to normal activities the same day.
In some cases, more than one injection may be recommended over time, especially for long-standing pain or multiple trigger points.
Relief That Helps You Move Forward
If you’re tired of living with stubborn muscle pain, trigger point injections at BBC Health in Lewisville, TX may offer the targeted relief you’ve been looking for. Our team will evaluate your symptoms, pinpoint the source of tension, and create a personalized plan that helps you feel better, naturally and effectively. If you’re ready to build better care with us, call us today at 972-436-9785.