Trigger points can be described as irritable spots that most commonly occur in the muscle. These trigger points are common causes of pain, and they can occur as the result of numerous factors, including chronic or acute muscle overuse or trauma to the area. Trigger points may occur in many of the body’s myofascial structures, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, skin and scar tissue.

For those who suffer from painful trigger points, trigger point injections often provide effective relief from pain and stiffness. At Denver Physical Medicine & Rehab, we offer trigger point injections in Denver.

What Are Trigger Point Injections?

Trigger point injections are used to relieve stiffness and pain caused by trigger points in the muscles. In your muscles, trigger points are similar to knots, and they prevent the body from relaxing properly. By injecting anesthetics or corticosteroids directly into the trigger points, the trigger points are essential “shut down,” and patients experience immediate pain relief.

What to Expect After Trigger Point Injections

Your pain symptoms should disappear within a few minutes once you’ve received your injections. For most people, recovery is quick and painless. In many cases, physical therapy will be recommended either before or after your injections because stretching the muscles improves the effects of the injections.

Immediately after receiving trigger point injections, you may experience some minor side effects, including:

Pain at the injection site
Bruising around the injection site
A tingling or burning sensation as the anesthetic starts to take effect

These side effects are generally mild and clear up on their own without further intervention. If, however, you experience persistent swelling or redness at the injection site, it is important to contact our office right away.