Trigger point are small or large knots in the muscle that can cause myofascial pain. They also refer pain to different area of the body. When massage therapy, stretching, exercises and other conservative methods have failed trigger point injections help to break up the inflammation and scar tissue in the knot and provides more permanent relief. The needle size is comparable to an acupuncture needle but delivers medication to decrease inflammation and break up scar tissue. Commonly used in the trigger point is Lidocaine or Marcaine along with either a natural anti-inflammatory herb (Sarapin) or Non Steroid anti-Inflammatory NSAID (Tordol). Patient are explained the efficacy of each and can choose the option that works best for them. The doctor uses a spray to freeze the patient's skin so the that the patient does not feel the injection.
The doctor will often have the patient follow up with stretching, myofascial release or massage for maximum benefit.
