What are trigger point infiltrations and what are they used for?

Trigger point infiltration is a medical procedure used to treat pain associated with myofascial trigger points, which are hyperirritable areas in the muscles that can cause localized pain, tenderness, and muscle stiffness. These trigger points can manifest as palpable knots or tight bands in the muscles and are common in areas of chronic muscle tension or muscle injuries.

The trigger point infiltration procedure involves the injection of local anesthetics and/or anti-inflammatory medications (cortisone derivatives) directly into painful trigger points. These medications work to block the transmission of pain signals and reduce inflammation in the affected area, helping to relieve pain and improve muscle function.

Importantly, trigger point infiltration is usually performed on more than one trigger point and may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal pain relief. The number of sessions and frequency of infiltrations may vary depending on the severity of the pain and the patient's individual response to treatment.

Local anesthetics, such as mepivacaine, lidocaine, or bupivacaine, provide immediate pain relief by temporarily blocking the transmission of pain signals from trigger points to the brain. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, reduce inflammation in surrounding tissues, which can help reduce long-term pain and promote healing.