Myofascial Pain Trigger Point Injections Explained

Why Trigger Point Injections Work for Muscle Knots. Everything about how injections work, causes, symptoms, treatment. A trigger point is a hyperirritable, hypersensitive, and hypercontracted knot in a muscle. This video will discuss how trigger point injections work. Trigger point injections are one of the fastest and most effective ways to treat trigger points.

Trigger points are common causes of musculoskeletal pain. They are often overlooked, misdiagnosed, and undertreated. A trigger point is also known as a muscle knot. It is a hyperirritable and hypersensitive spot in a muscle. Compressing, stretching, or overloading the muscle elicits pain. Pain can radiate to other parts of the body. This is called referred pain. Severe trigger points can cause pain at rest.

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► TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Introduction
1:23 - What are trigger points?
3:07 - Symptoms and diagnosis
3:48 - Treatment and trigger point injection

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► ABOUT ME

Jeffrey Peng MD is a nonoperative orthopedist and sports medicine specialist. He created a YouTube channel and blog to translate cutting edge medical knowledge and clinical research to benefit all those looking to live an active and healthy lifestyle. He focuses on maximizing non-surgical treatments for sports injuries and orthopedic conditions. He specializes in using orthobiologics and ultrasound guided minimally invasive techniques to treat osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Dr. Peng is board certified in sports medicine and family medicine. He completed residency with the Stanford family medicine residency program and completed his sports medicine training with the Stanford primary care sports medicine fellowship in San Jose. He is an active faculty member for both programs and is excited about training the next generation of physicians.

Dr. Peng’s sports medicine clinic is located in Campbell, California.

► Disclaimer

My content reflects my own opinion and does not represent the views or opinions of my employers or hospital systems I am affiliated with. They are meant for educational purposes only. They do not substitute for the medical advice of a physician. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

[tiffanyprzybos]

I just got trigger point injections in my neck and upper back yesterday. I feel amazing. I don't need any NSAIDS or muscle relaxers or all my massager devices I have.

[YogaCheryl]

I've had a trapezius knot for the last 25 years and tried every home remedy out there. Decided to go to a spine specialist after a neck x-ray showed arthritis. He gave me an injection right then and I haven't been pain free in that spot for so long I forgot what it feels like! Going to add dry needling and PT.

[Marine_Veteran_Vegan_Gamer]

I have trigger point injections next week. I've been in chronic pain for over a decade (military service trauma). Opiods never helped, I've tried a plethera of medications and a variety of tens units. My massage therapist is always pointing out how bad my back is.
I have high hopes for this but also nervous when the VA is involved. Hehe
The pain is a big contributor to my suicidal tendencies(on top of ptsd). Great explanations, doc.

[tannifae]

Whats the difference between injections and acupuncture? Does acupuncture also address these knots similarly?

[danbutler]

I like the video it's well done and I have had posterior bilateral laminectomy and I'm having rump and leg numbness

[louieallen]

I use a 1.5" diameter steel ball bearing. I lay on it and put pressure where I need to. My shoulders neck back and butt and hamstring have always been rock hard. Until I started rolling on my ball. The knots at the base of my skull get really bad. Feels like bone. I've taken anything and everything hard that I can use to did with into my neck. I can get them to almost completely release but they come back next day.

[christineibrahim]

Hi... I really enjoy the way you break this down. Do you ever use a little corticosteroid with 2% lidocaine for your trigger point treatments or do you recommend dry needling? Thank you

[haleynunley]

I have a pinched nerve in my shoulder. Sometimes the burning pain goes into my neck. I recently noticed a knot on the upper/back part of my shoulder. Would these injections be effective?

[struckb]

I think I have this in my abdominal wall muscle underneath my right rib cage. Either the internal oblique or transverse abdominal muscle. It refers pain and tightness to the pelvic floor muscles and genitals. Every time I lift the tight band of muscle with my fingers, the referred pain goes away.

[gcea]

Hi Dr peng. Thank you for this information 🙏 how long after my hip prp booster do i have to wait before i get trigger point (steroid) injections for my deep gluteal tps?

[cecilialoizzo]

Thank you! What kind of doctor perfoms therapeutic needle?

[subashiniramanathan]

Hi sr trigger point injections gives yo temporary or permanent pain relief

[lorenaschwartz]

I do have an appointment for a trigger point

[alacon]

from a clinical perspective. can trigger points exacerbate pain associated with foraminal stenosis, bulging disc, etc... in the spine. Can this just be a band aid that addresses symptoms but not necessarily the underlying cause?