What is Trigger Point Therapy Used For?
At the Center for Spine Care + Mobility, a substantial amount of our patient’s pain can be resolved by addressing and treating underlying trigger points or myofascial dysfunction.
“Myo” meaning muscle and “fascial” meaning connective tissue or a flat band of tissue below the skin that covers underlying tissues and muscles. If these underlying conditions or improper movement pattern are not properly treated, trigger points and potentially myofascial pain syndrome will develop.
What are Trigger Points?
Trigger points form when there is a tight area within a muscle that cannot relax and forms a “micro-cramp” or “knot” and can be felt as lump-like spots in the bands of muscle fibers. This “micro-cramp” can choke of the muscle fiber’s own blood supply, which irritates the surrounding tissues.
This “knot” can irritate nerves around muscles and can cause referred pain that is felt in another region of the body. Referred pain caused by trigger points is one of the most common explanation of misdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures and surgeries.
How do Trigger Points Develop?
Trigger Points can develop due to underlying conditions and injuries related to:
- Repetitive movements
- Trauma (car accident, wipe lash injury, fall)
- Poor and Prolonged posture
- Stress
- Vitamin Deficiencies
- Dehydration
- Sleep disturbances
- Joint Pain
How are Trigger Points and Myofascial Pain Treated?
At CSC+M, we believe trigger points and myofascial pain can be managed and treated with a combination of therapies including:
- Correcting improper movement patterns with our physical therapists
- Correcting alignment issues and actively and passively stretching out muscles utilizing Active Release Technique (ART) Therapy, performed by our Chiropractors
- Specialized Trigger Point Massage, performed by our Licensed Massage Therapists
- Trigger Point Injections (TPIs) to physically break up the knot, performed by our Nurse Practitioner
- Acupuncture to help reduce surrounding muscle tension and promote healing and blood flow to the area of dysfunction.
Trigger Point Injections in Flatiron, NYC
Trigger Point Injections can only be performed and administered by a licensed healthcare professional: Medical Doctor, Dentists, Nurse Practitioner or Physician’s Assistant. The patient’s range of motion is assessed, and palpation of the painful muscles and surrounding muscles is performed. Ultrasound guidance is often utilized to visualize the underlying tissues and structures, preventing the mistake of injecting into an artery, vein or nerve. A small needle containing a local anesthetic (Lidocaine or Bupivacaine) is injected into the trigger point.
This solution is similar to what Dentist use when performing a routine filling or tooth extraction. The lidocaine along with the needling technique will help relax the knotted muscle, providing pain relief and increased range of motion. Depending on the significance of the trigger point, a cortisone steroid in combination with Lidocaine can be used.
What are the Contraindications to Trigger Point Injections?
- Allergies to Lidocaine
- History of cardiac arrythmias
- History of seizures
- Bleeding disorders
- Currently taking a blood thinner
Is there “downtime” after receiving Trigger Point Injections?
There is no recommended “downtime” after receiving trigger point injections and patients typically find 50% pain relief and increased range of motion hours after receiving trigger point injections. However, some patients do typically develop muscle soreness for 12 to 24 hours after treatment. It is encouraged to rest, heat, foam roll or self-massage the treated area. Once trigger points have been released, it is critical that the muscle be moved throughout their full range. Simple exercises done by the patient are important in the retaining of the muscle, so these trigger points do not return.
At CSC+M we believe we provide New Yorkers with the most comprehensive form of rehabilitation. Trigger Point Injections, in combination with chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy have been proven to help our patients heal and live pain free.
