A Trigger Point Injection (TPI) is a medical procedure used to alleviate myofascial pain which often arises from muscle knots known as trigger points. These trigger points are painful knots or nodules within muscles that become sensitive to touch or pressure. They can form due to acute trauma or repetitive micro-trauma, leading to stress on muscle fibers. The knots cause muscle fibers to remain in a contracted state.
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Q. What is the purpose of a Trigger Point injection (TPI)?
Trigger Point Injections help to soothe myofascial pain and improve function. Most pain doctors will combine these injections with physical therapy and stretching exercises to help alleviate pain.
Q. What are Trigger Point Injections (TPIS) used to treat?
Doctors used Trigger Point Injections (TPIs) to help treat myofascial pain. Myofascial pain refers to pain and tenderness due to one or more trigger points. These trigger points can develop in any muscle but are commonly found in specific muscle groups, including muscles in the jaw, sides of your neck, hip, low back, muscles extending over the back of your neck and shoulders, front of your neck, and on the sides of your head.
Q. What are the benefits and potential risks associated with Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger Point Injections can provide temporary pain relief by reducing inflammation and swelling of nerves in the affected area. They are also used by pain doctors as a diagnostic tool. If pain improves immediately after the injection, it suggests SI joint involvement. Trigger point injections (TPIs) are generally safe, but like any medical procedure, they do carry some risks. Some of the potential complications associated with TPIs are slight bleeding at the injection site, infection where the shot was given, bruising around the injection site, allergic reaction, and in rare cases, vascular (vein) injury. It’s important to remember that these risks are generally minimal, and Trigger Point Injections are considered to be safe.