Conditions We Treat / Trigger Point Injection

Trigger Point Injections for Muscle Pain & Myofascial Pain Syndrome – Non-Surgical Relief in Charlotte, NC

Chronic muscle pain, tight knots, and tension can interfere with everything from daily activities to sleep and exercise. Often, these symptoms stem from myofascial trigger points—hyperirritable spots within tight bands of muscle that refer pain to other areas. Trigger point injections offer a quick, effective, and minimally invasive solution to deactivate these painful knots and restore normal muscle function.

At Joint Health Solutions in Charlotte, we specialize in image-guided and anatomically precise trigger point injections. Our team—led by Dr. Jeffrey Galvin and Ariel Curtis, FNP-C—uses their expertise in musculoskeletal medicine to accurately identify and treat trigger points, providing rapid relief and helping patients return to their active lives.

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Jeffrey Galvin & Ariel Curtis, FNP-C | Last reviewed: March 2026

What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are localized, hyperirritable spots within a taut band of skeletal muscle. They can be:

Trigger points develop from muscle overuse, injury, poor posture, stress, or repetitive strain. When sustained, they can create a cycle of pain, muscle spasm, and further dysfunction, leading to myofascial pain syndrome.

Common locations include:

Upper trapezius – neck, shoulders, and tension headaches
Levator scapulae – neck stiffness and pain
Quadratus lumborum – low back pain
Gluteal muscles – hip and buttock pain
Piriformis – sciatica-like symptoms
Gastrocnemius or soleus – calf tightness

What Are Trigger Point Injections?

A trigger point injection is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small amount of medication, typically a local anesthetic and sometimes a corticosteroid, is injected directly into the trigger point. The injection serves two main purposes:

Mechanical disruption

The needle itself can break up the taut band and release the muscle contraction.

Pharmacologic effect

The local anesthetic numbs the area, reduces nerve irritation, and interrupts the pain-spasm cycle.

In some cases, dry needling without medication is used, but at Joint Health Solutions we typically use local anesthetic to maximize relief. The procedure is quick, well tolerated, and often provides immediate improvement.

How Do Trigger Point Injections Work?

The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but several factors contribute:

Needle disruption

The needle mechanically disrupts the dysfunctional motor end plate, allowing the muscle fiber to relax.

Local anesthetic

Blocks sodium channels, reducing nerve firing and breaking the pain-spasm cycle.

Increased blood flow

Needle insertion may stimulate local circulation and promote healing.

Stretch reflex modulation

Reduces the reflex contraction that maintains the trigger point.

When performed correctly, trigger point injections can provide immediate and lasting relief, especially when combined with physical therapy, stretching, and ergonomic correction.

Conditions Treated with Trigger Point Injections

Myofascial pain syndrome with widespread trigger points

Tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches

Upper back pain and rhomboid pain

Low back pain involving quadratus lumborum or paraspinal muscles

Hip and buttock pain, including piriformis syndrome

Shoulder pain involving rotator cuff or scapular stabilizers

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction involving masseter or temporalis muscles

Fibromyalgia as adjunctive therapy for localized myofascial components

The Trigger Point Injection Procedure at Joint Health Solutions

Consultation & Evaluation

Your provider takes a detailed history and performs a physical examination to locate active trigger points. We assess range of motion, pain patterns, and referred pain, and we look for contributing factors such as posture, ergonomics, and activity.

Preparation

You will be positioned comfortably. The skin over the trigger point or trigger points is cleansed with an antiseptic. No sedation is required, although a local anesthetic may be applied to the skin if needed.

Injection

Using a small needle, often 25–27 gauge, the provider inserts it into the trigger point. You may feel a brief twitch response as the muscle contracts, which often confirms successful targeting. The medication, typically lidocaine with or without a small amount of corticosteroid, is injected. Multiple trigger points may be treated in one session.

Post-Injection

You may feel immediate relief as the muscle relaxes. Mild soreness at the injection site is common for 24–48 hours. You will receive instructions on stretching, hydration, and activity modification.

Benefits of Trigger Point Injections

Rapid relief

Many patients feel improvement within minutes.

Minimally invasive

Small needle and little to no downtime.

Breaks the pain-spasm cycle

Helps physical therapy and stretching work more effectively.

Reduces reliance on oral medications

Less need for NSAIDs or muscle relaxants.

Diagnostic value

If the injection relieves pain, it helps confirm the trigger point as a pain source.

Can be repeated

Useful for chronic or recurrent issues when needed.

Risks & Safety Considerations

Trigger point injections are very safe when performed by trained professionals. Potential risks include:

Post-injection soreness lasting 1–3 days
Bruising or bleeding, usually minor
Infection, which is extremely rare with sterile technique
Pneumothorax, a rare risk with upper back or chest injections; careful technique reduces this risk
Allergic reaction to lidocaine or other medications, which is rare
Temporary weakness if local anesthetic spreads to a motor nerve

We minimize risks by using precise anatomy-based techniques and by avoiding high-risk areas unless appropriate expertise and precautions are in place.

How Long Do Results Last?

The duration of relief varies:

Single injection

Many patients experience relief for weeks to months, especially when combined with home stretching and ergonomic changes.

Chronic myofascial pain

May require a series of injections over several weeks, followed by maintenance as needed.

Recurrence

If underlying factors such as poor posture or repetitive strain are not addressed, trigger points may return.

We often combine trigger point injections with physical therapy to achieve more lasting results.

Trigger Point Injections vs. Dry Needling

Symptom Description Table

Feature	Trigger Point Injection	Dry Needling
Medication	Local anesthetic with or without corticosteroid	No medication
Mechanism	Needle disruption plus pharmacologic effect	Needle disruption only
Immediate relief	Often immediate because of anesthetic	Usually more gradual
Pain during procedure	Typically minimal	May cause more discomfort
Insurance coverage	Usually covered when medically indicated	Often not covered

At Joint Health Solutions, we primarily use trigger point injections with local anesthetic to maximize comfort and immediate relief.

Why Combine Trigger Point Injections with Physical Therapy?

Trigger point injections are most effective when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan. Physical therapy addresses the underlying causes:

Stretching – Lengthens tight muscles and helps prevent recurrence.
Strengthening – Builds support for weak muscles that contribute to poor posture.
Ergonomics – Corrects workstation and activity habits.
Manual therapy – Helps maintain muscle balance and joint mobility.

We often coordinate with physical therapists to help patients achieve lasting results.

Why Choose Joint Health Solutions for Trigger Point Injections

Expert Providers – Dr. Jeffrey Galvin and Ariel Curtis, FNP-C, have extensive experience in musculoskeletal medicine and trigger point injections.
Precise Diagnosis – We use a thorough physical examination to identify trigger points and associated referred pain patterns.
Comprehensive Care – We combine injections with physical therapy, ergonomic counseling, and lifestyle guidance.
Patient Comfort – We use fine needles and a gentle approach to minimize discomfort.
Convenient Charlotte Location – Serving patients from Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Matthews, and surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trigger Point Injections

Do trigger point injections hurt?

You may feel a brief sting from the needle and a twitch response when the trigger point is contacted. The local anesthetic quickly numbs the area, so the discomfort is brief. After the injection, some soreness may occur for a day or two.

How soon will I feel relief?

Many patients experience immediate relief as the muscle relaxes. The full effect, especially if a corticosteroid is used, may take 24–72 hours. Some patients may have mild soreness before feeling improvement.

How many trigger point injections will I need?

It depends on the condition. A single injection may resolve an acute problem. For chronic myofascial pain, a series of 3–6 injections over several weeks may be needed, often in combination with physical therapy.

Are trigger point injections covered by insurance?

Yes, trigger point injections are typically covered by insurance when medically indicated for myofascial pain syndrome, tension headaches, or related conditions. We verify benefits before the procedure.

Can I have trigger point injections if I am on blood thinners?

It depends on the type of blood thinner and the location of the injection. Some patients may need to temporarily hold their medication with approval from their prescribing physician, while others may be candidates with precautions. We evaluate each case individually.

What is the difference between a trigger point injection and a nerve block?

A trigger point injection targets a localized muscle knot. A nerve block targets a specific nerve, such as an occipital nerve block for headaches. Both can be used for pain, but they address different structures.

Can trigger point injections help with headaches?

Yes. Tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches often originate from trigger points in the neck, upper trapezius, and suboccipital muscles. Injections into these muscles can significantly reduce headache frequency and intensity.

How long does the procedure take?

The injection itself takes only a few minutes per trigger point. The entire appointment, including evaluation and post-care instructions, typically lasts 20–30 minutes.

Are there any side effects?

Common side effects are temporary soreness, bruising, and sometimes mild weakness if the anesthetic spreads to a nearby motor nerve. Serious complications are rare.

When should I consider trigger point injections?

You may be a candidate if you have localized muscle knots that cause pain and limit movement, suffer from tension headaches, have tried physical therapy, stretching, or massage with incomplete relief, or want a non-surgical option to break the pain-spasm cycle.

Stop Guessing. Start Healing.

If muscle knots and tension are keeping you from living your life, schedule a consultation for trigger point injections at Joint Health Solutions in Charlotte. We will help you break the pain cycle and get back to comfortable movement.