Trigger Point Injections

Trigger Point Injections (TPI) are a safe and effective treatment for relieving pain caused by tight, knotted muscles, often referred to as "trigger points." These areas of tension can develop from stress, injury, or overuse and may contribute to pain in surrounding muscles and joints.

During a TPI session, e will first find the trigger point and ellicit the local twitch response (LTR) using a dry-needling technique with acupuncture needles. This step is imperative to target the trigger point. The local twitch response (LTR) is a critical physiological phenomenon during trigger point injection therapy, as it signifies the activation and release of a hyperirritable point within a taut band of skeletal muscle. When the needle penetrates the trigger point, the LTR indicates that the muscle fibers are responding reflexively, often resulting in a reduction of muscle tension and pain. This response is thought to help disrupt the pain-spasm-pain cycle by normalizing electrical activity within the muscle and improving circulation to the area. Additionally, eliciting the LTR can enhance the therapeutic effects of the injection by targeting the specific fibers contributing to the myofascial dysfunction, thereby improving mobility, reducing referred pain, and accelerating recovery. For both clinicians and patients, observing the LTR is a useful indicator that the therapy is effectively addressing the underlying pathology.

Once the trigger point is isolated, a small amount of anesthetic is injected directly into the trigger point to relax the muscle, reduce inflammation, and restore proper function. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and tailored to your specific needs, offering significant relief for conditions like chronic pain, TMJD, or muscle tension related to stress or injury.

This service is now available at Wells Integrative Medicine to help you achieve lasting pain relief and improved mobility.