Overview
Trigger points are sensitive tight bands within a muscle that can cause local pain and referred pain to nearby areas. They may develop due to poor posture overuse stress reduced movement or guarding caused by pain. In fibromyalgia and wide spread pain patterns trigger points can become more reactive and can worsen overall discomfort especially during flare ups.
Trigger point injections involve placing a fine needle into the trigger point and delivering a small amount of local anaesthetic to help relax the tight muscle fibres and reduce pain. In some cases dry needling may be used without medication depending on clinical judgement. These injections are often used alongside physiotherapy stretching pacing and strengthening plans.
Trigger point injections do not treat the whole mechanism of fibromyalgia. They target a specific contributor which may reduce local pain and improve movement tolerance.
Who This Treatment Helps
Trigger point injections may be suitable for people with:
• Palpable muscle knots causing local tenderness and pain
• Myofascial pain contributing to wide spread pain symptoms
• Referred pain patterns linked to specific muscle groups
• Muscle tightness that limits movement and daily function
• Flare ups driven by muscle spasm and guarding
• Pain that has not improved with stretching massage or physiotherapy alone
• Difficulty engaging in rehabilitation due to muscle spasm or local pain
A consultation is required to confirm that symptoms match a trigger point pattern and to identify which muscles should be treated.
What Is a Trigger Point Injection
A trigger point injection is a targeted procedure that treats a painful tight band within a muscle. A fine needle is inserted into the trigger point and a small amount of local anaesthetic is injected. The aim is to:
• Release muscle tension
• Reduce local and referred pain
• Improve range of motion and comfort with movement
• Support physiotherapy and rehabilitation progress
Multiple trigger points can be treated during one session depending on your presentation and tolerance. The procedure is quick and typically performed as a day case.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Your appointment typically includes:
• Identification of trigger points through examination and symptom discussion
• Comfortable positioning depending on the muscle treated
• Skin cleaning to reduce infection risk
• Fine needle placement into the trigger point which may cause brief twitching or pressure
• Injection of local anaesthetic into the trigger point
• Treatment of additional trigger points if required
• Brief monitoring before discharge
After the Procedure
It is normal to experience:
• Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site
• A feeling of looseness or warmth in the treated muscle
• Temporary fatigue especially if multiple areas are treated
Your consultant may advise:
• Gentle stretching to maintain muscle relaxation
• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours
• Use heat packs if mild soreness occurs
• Continue physiotherapy strengthening and pacing strategies
• Monitor symptoms and report any unexpected changes
Many people notice improvement in local pain and movement over the following days. Results vary and additional sessions may be discussed if trigger points recur or if multiple muscle groups are involved.
Benefits
Potential benefits may include:
• Reduced local muscle pain and tenderness
• Reduced referred pain linked to active trigger points
• Improved mobility and comfort with daily activity
• Reduced muscle guarding that can worsen flare ups
• Improved tolerance for physiotherapy stretching and graded exercise
• Minimal downtime with a quick procedure
Possible Risks and Side Effects
Trigger point injections are generally safe. Potential risks include:
• Temporary soreness or bruising
• Mild bleeding at the injection site
• Lightheadedness usually brief
• Infection rare
• Allergic reaction to local anaesthetic uncommon
• Temporary increase in pain for a short period
Your consultant will explain individual risks and ensure the treatment is appropriate for the muscle groups involved.
When to Consider Other Options
If trigger point treatment does not provide meaningful benefit or if symptoms are driven mainly by nerve sensitivity rather than local muscle pain your consultant may discuss:
• IV lidocaine infusion
• Ketamine infusion in selected cases
• Medication optimisation for sleep and neuropathic pain
• Structured pacing and graded activity plans
• Psychological support such as CBT and ACT for chronic symptom management
• Multidisciplinary pain management
Safety Note
Please inform your consultant if you take blood thinners have allergies are pregnant have an active infection or have had previous reactions to local anaesthetic. If you feel lightheaded after treatment you should avoid driving until you feel fully well.
Arrange a consultation to discuss whether trigger point injections may help reduce muscular contributors to your wide spread pain or fibromyalgia.