HOW IS THE TRIGGER POINT INJECTION PROCEDURE PERFORMED? WHAT TECHNIQUE IS USED TO ADMINISTER A TRIGGER POINT INJECTION?
The trigger point injection is performed in the health-care professional’s office, usually with the patient either lying on the exam table on the stomach or sitting on the exam table. The exact technique varies. The health-care professional performing the procedure locates the trigger point by manual palpation and marks the site. Ultrasound guidance is not generally necessary. The injection site is then cleaned. Alcohol or another skin cleanser such as betadine is commonly used to clean the injection site. Frequently, a numbing spray such as ethyl chloride is used to anesthetize the skin and make the actual injection less painful. The needle is then inserted into the trigger point and the medication is injected. After the injection, a simple adhesive bandage may be applied.
HOW LONG DO THE EFFECTS OF TRIGGER POINT INJECTIONS LAST?
The local anesthetic will numb the area for 1 to 3 hours. The corticosteroids remain in the tissue in active form for about one month. The major benefit of trigger point injections is to allow the patient to more effectively participate in a rehabilitative program.