Trigger point Injections

Trigger points are localised, painful areas within tight or irritable muscle bands that can contribute to regional neck, shoulder, back or other musculoskeletal pain. Trigger point injections may be considered when a specific muscle or group of muscles is contributing to persistent pain and has not responded adequately to stretching, physiotherapy, activity modification or other conservative measures.

After identifying the relevant trigger points by examination, a fine needle is placed into the affected muscle area and a small amount of local anaesthetic, with or without other medication depending on the clinical situation, may be injected. The aim is to reduce local pain sensitivity and allow the muscle to relax enough for movement and rehabilitation to progress.

Relief can be temporary or may last longer depending on the underlying cause of the muscle pain. Trigger point injections work best when combined with an active treatment plan addressing posture, strength, movement patterns and other contributors. Dr Danesh will assess whether the trigger point is an appropriate treatment target rather than treating muscle pain in isolation.