Overview
Trigger point injection is a targeted treatment used to reduce muscle related pain in fibromyalgia and wide spread pain conditions. 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 these trigger points can become more reactive and contribute to flare ups or persistent discomfort. Trigger point injection aims to relax tight muscle fibres and reduce pain signals from these areas.
This treatment does not address the entire mechanism of fibromyalgia. Instead it targets a specific contributor to symptoms, which may help reduce local pain and improve tolerance for movement and rehabilitation.
Who this treatment helps
Trigger point injection may be suitable for people with:
- Palpable muscle knots causing tenderness and pain
- Myofascial pain contributing to wide spread pain symptoms
- Referred pain patterns linked to specific muscle groups
- Muscle tightness that limits movement or daily activity
- Flare ups triggered by muscle spasm or guarding
- Pain not improving with stretching, massage, or physiotherapy
- Difficulty progressing with rehabilitation due to muscle 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 used to treat 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 to help relax the muscle fibres.
In some situations dry needling may be used without medication depending on the clinical judgement of your consultant.
The aims of treatment include:
- Releasing muscle tension
- Reducing local and referred pain
- Improving range of motion
- Supporting physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Multiple trigger points can be treated during one session depending on your presentation and tolerance.
What to expect during the procedure
Your appointment usually includes:
- Identification of trigger points through examination
- Comfortable positioning depending on the muscle treated
- Skin cleaning to reduce infection risk
- Fine needle placement into the trigger point
- Injection of local anaesthetic where appropriate
- Treatment of additional trigger points if needed
- Brief monitoring before discharge
The procedure is quick and typically performed as a day case.
After the procedure
After trigger point injection it is common to experience:
- Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site
- A feeling of looseness or warmth in the treated muscle
- Temporary fatigue if multiple areas are treated
Your consultant may advise:
- Gentle stretching to maintain muscle relaxation
- Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours
- Use of heat packs if mild soreness occurs
- Continuing physiotherapy and pacing strategies
- Monitoring symptoms over the following days
Many people notice improvement in local pain and movement within several days. Additional sessions may be discussed if trigger points recur.
Benefits
- May reduce local muscle pain and tenderness
- Can reduce referred pain from trigger points
- May improve movement and daily comfort
- Can reduce muscle guarding that worsens flare ups
- May improve tolerance for physiotherapy and graded activity
- Quick procedure with minimal downtime
Possible risks and side effects
Trigger point injections are generally safe when performed by experienced clinicians, but some side effects may occur.
- Temporary soreness or bruising
- Mild bleeding at the injection site
- Lightheadedness which is usually brief
- Infection, which is rare
- Allergic reaction to local anaesthetic, uncommon
- Temporary increase in pain for a short period
Your consultant will explain individual risks before treatment.
When to consider other options
If trigger point injection does not provide meaningful benefit, or if symptoms are mainly driven by nerve sensitivity, other treatments may be considered. These may include IV lidocaine infusion, ketamine infusion, medication optimisation, pacing plans, or multidisciplinary pain management.
Safety note
Please inform your consultant if you take blood thinning medication, 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 recovered.
Arrange a consultation to discuss whether trigger point injection may help reduce muscular contributors to your fibromyalgia or wide spread pain.
You can also explore our fibromyalgia treatments, view all pain treatments, or learn more about our pain management services.