Allied Medical Trigger Point Pain Therapy

What is a Trigger Point?

A trigger point is a tight and painful "knot" in a muscle fiber. It forms after a muscle is strained or injured. The trigger point can at times be felt just under the skin's surface. Trigger points are tender to the touch and when pressure is applied to one, the pain can radiate to other parts of the same muscle, a "trigger effect".

Muscles around the shoulder blade, knee, lower back and neck are prone to trigger points. Trigger points are made up of an accumulation of toxic muscle waste products. These substances are trapped in the muscle and can stay there for quite a while.

What can the Medical Staff at Allied Medical & Rehabilitation, PC do for your Trigger Points?

We can do many things. Physical therapy modalities and procedure can help rid your muscles of trigger points. Sometimes this is not enough and special "Trigger Point Therapy (TPT)" can help. We have found that the combination of Physical Therapy and TPT is quite often the best treatment for Trigger Points.

Trigger Point Therapy (TPT)

A contributing factor to many of our patient's muscle pain or spasms may be one of more trigger points. Any muscle can have several Trigger Points. An injection with a very small needle into the Trigger Point reduces the trigger point and allows the healing process to speed up markedly. Several injections may be needed. These injections may be given in sessions 1 to 2 weeks apart. In many cases, you may not feel much change until after the third injection.

The Procedure

You will lie on an exam table so that he clinician can reach the affected muscle.
The clinician will then stretch the muscle to find the exact spot of the Trigger Point. You may feel a slight discomfort for a very short period of time.
Once the Trigger Point is found, it is injected. The injection may contain medication, such as a local anesthetic (which numbs the area).
Immediately after the injection a therapist will apply ice to the region.

After the Treatment

After the ice therapy is complete the therapist will release you from care. Make sure you schedule a follow-up evaluation with the clinician one week from the injection date. Make sure you continue with your Physical Therapy schedule. TPT is an excellent adjunct to your regular PT visits. Since there is no sedation involved, you can go home soon after the treatment. Try to take it easy for a few hours after the injection. Put ice or heat on the site as per the clinician's instructions if necessary.

Remember the staff at Allied is dedicated to formulating the most conservative approach to your musculoskeletal condition. Our Mulit-Disciplinary team of Physiatrists, Physician Assistants, Physical & Occupational Therapists, and Chiropractors make up Allied's unique healthcare team. Please feel free to speak to any of our team members at any time.