Treatment: Trigger Point Injection
A popular treatment option for addressing muscle pain and discomfort is trigger point injection. This procedure is commonly used for individuals who have not found relief through physical therapy alone. However, it is important to note that trigger point injections may not be suitable for individuals with fibromyalgia or endocrine disorders.
During a trigger point injection, a doctor administers a local anesthetic directly into the painful muscle. This can be done while the patient is either sitting or lying down. The injection provides relief not only to the targeted muscle but also to any associated satellite trigger points.
Sedation is typically not required for this procedure, and in some cases, the injection may also contain steroids. Depending on the situation, multiple injections may be necessary if more than one trigger point is affected.
Treatment: Dry Needling
Dry needling is a treatment method that involves the insertion of solid filament needles through the skin and into the muscle. By targeting trigger points, this procedure can effectively alleviate pain and restore normal movement. Unlike other needle-based treatments, dry needling does not involve the injection of any liquid medication. Instead, it relies on the creation of controlled lesions that can penetrate over 10,000 individual muscle fibers. This process triggers an immune system reaction, as the body perceives the needles as foreign invaders. In response, the immune system initiates an inflammatory reaction, which helps reduce swelling and alleviate pain.