Trigger Point Injections

Trigger points are taut muscular bands or "knots" which trigger pain when the muscular band is compressed.  Trigger points are the hallmark of myofascial pain syndrome.  

Muscular trigger points can radiate pain away from the trigger zone.  This myofascial pain can be treated with trigger point injections under ultrasound guidance. While not all pain treatments facilities utilize ultrasound guidance for trigger point injections, we always utilize ultrasound guided technology at the Pain Management Centers of New England in Newburyport, MA and at the Beth Israel Lahey Health Danvers Care Center in Danvers, MA.   

If you have untreated pain, call for your comprehensive pain management evaluation.  Dr. Branton, Dr. Ho and advanced practitioner, Meghan Chase NP, provide compassionate and individualized pain management care. 

What are the treatments options for myofascial pain syndrome?

We recommend that you always start with conservative therapies first.  As myofascial pain is caused by muscle knots, a regular stretching and home exercise program is an important starting point.  Formal physical therapy should also be considered.  Many people with myofascial pain find relief with the application of heat, ice, over-the-counter medications, and topical creams. 

I have tried conservative therapies and I still have pain.  What's next?

If your pain has been persistent, call us for a comprehensive pain management consultation.  During the physical examination, our pain specialist will exam you and look for trigger points as the cause of your pain. 

If you have trigger points, you may benefit from trigger point injections under ultrasound guidance.  

What is a trigger point injection?

A trigger point injection involves passing a thin needle into the muscle knot or knots that is causing pain.  A mixture of a numbing agent mixed with steroid is usually injected.  This mixture allows the muscle to relax thereby reducing pain. 

Do trigger point injections need to be performed under ultrasound guidance?  

The short answer is no.  However, at the Pain Management Centers of New England and the Pain Management Center at the Beth Israel Lahey Health Care Center in Danvers, MA, we always perform our trigger points injections under ultrasound guidance.  This ensures that the local anesthetic and steroid medication is delivered into the appropriate muscle and reduces the risk of the medication being injected into other structures accidentally.

Use the on-line scheduler or call us to request a comprehensive pain management consultation at one of our locations nearest to you.  We have the north shore and Essex counter covered for pain management care.