Everything You Need to Know About Trigger Point Injections

Chronic muscle pain can feel like an unwelcome guest that refuses to leave. Whether you’re dealing with tension headaches, neck pain, or discomfort in your back and shoulders, those persistent knots—known as trigger points—can make everyday tasks unbearable. If stretching, massage, and other treatments haven’t provided the relief you need, trigger point injections (TPIs) might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

At Summit Medical Care Center, we take a comprehensive approach to pain management, and trigger point injections are one of the many tools we use to help patients regain comfort and mobility. Here’s what you need to know about this effective treatment.
 

What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are tight, sensitive knots in the muscle that form when a muscle is overused, injured, or stressed. These knots can lead to pain both at the site and in other areas of the body, a phenomenon known as referred pain. You might notice them as tender spots that cause discomfort when pressed or stretched.
 

Trigger points can develop due to poor posture, repetitive movements, prolonged stress, or underlying conditions such as fibromyalgia. When left untreated, they can restrict movement and make even the simplest activities feel like a struggle.
 

How Do Trigger Point Injections Work?

Trigger point injections involve the precise administration of a small amount of medication—usually a local anesthetic, saline, or an anti-inflammatory agent—directly into the affected muscle. This helps to release the tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain.
 

The procedure itself is quick, often taking just a few minutes, and is performed right in our office. Most patients feel a noticeable improvement shortly after the injection, with continued relief in the following days.
 

Who Can Benefit from Trigger Point Injections?

TPIs can be an effective treatment for people experiencing:

• Chronic muscle pain that doesn’t respond to massage or physical therapy

• Tension headaches caused by tight muscles in the neck and shoulders

• Myofascial pain syndrome

• Pain associated with conditions like fibromyalgia

• Limited range of motion due to muscle tightness
   

If you find that muscle pain is interfering with your daily life, trigger point injections may be a beneficial option to help break the cycle of tension and discomfort.
 

What to Expect During and After Treatment

Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the process is. During the injection, you may feel a brief pinching sensation, but the procedure is generally well tolerated.
 

After treatment, you might experience mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two, similar to what you’d feel after an intense workout. Applying ice packs and gently stretching the area can help ease any post-injection discomfort.
 

The number of treatments needed varies from patient to patient. Some find relief after just one session, while others may require a series of injections spaced over several weeks for optimal results.
 

Finding Long-Term Relief

While trigger point injections provide effective pain relief, they work best when combined with other treatments. Addressing posture, strengthening muscles through targeted exercises, and managing stress can help prevent trigger points from returning. At Summit Medical Care Center, we work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that goes beyond injections, ensuring long-lasting relief.
 

Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief

If chronic muscle pain is holding you back, you don’t have to keep pushing through the discomfort. Trigger point injections offer a safe, effective way to release tension and get you back to moving freely.
 

At Summit Medical Care Center, we’re here to help you find the right solution for your pain. Contact to schedule a consultation and discover if trigger point injections are the right option for you. Visit our office in Broomfield, Colorado, or call (720) 740-6700 to book an appointment today.