What is a Trigger Point?
A trigger point is a knotted or tight area of muscle that can be felt under the skin and, when pressure is applied, often refers (or “triggers”) pain to another part of the body.
Trigger points are diagnosed by a thorough physical exam in which the physician palpates muscles for tender areas over taut bands and knots. Imaging tests such as x-rays or MRI cannot detect a trigger point but may be helpful in revealing an underlying condition.
How are Trigger Point Injections administered?
Trigger point injections ( TPIs) are used to treat muscles are that in pain or contain knots and cannot relax. Most times, trigger points within the body can irritate the nerves around them and cause pain elsewhere in the body, known as referred pain.
A TPI is done by injecting a solution through a small needle into the troublesome area of the body. The solution is comprised of a local anesthetic that causes the trigger point to become inactive and thus, pain is alleviated.
Injections are given in the office and usually only last a few minutes. The injections can be used to treat various different muscle groups in the body including arms, legs, back, and neck.
Xeomin / Botox Trigger Point Injections
Xeomin / Botox trigger point injections are performed just like our other TPIs. The trigger point or knotted muscle causing the pain is located and the area cleaned. The Xeomin / Botox is then injected into that trigger point or knot. The procedure only takes a few minutes.
All of our Medical Aesthetics treatments are performed by a Medical Aesthetics Certified Doctor.
It is important to remember that Xeomin / Botox treatment is not a cure. For many people, however, its effects have been beneficial. Typically, improvement is not immediate. It may take up to two weeks for benefits to be noticeable, although, some patients have complete relief in as little as two days time.
After treatment, the nerve will take about three months to resume the release of acetylcholine, and the muscles may become overactive again. At that point, another treatment may be needed to provide relief, as long as no allergic reactions or other significant side effects occurred and your condition responded to treatment.
For more information and to see if you are a candidate for Trigger Point Injections, please contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
440-597-5353
