What is Trigger Point Injection (TPI)?
Trigger Point Injection (TPI) is performed in the health care professional’s office, usually with the patient either lying down or sitting 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. The injection site is then cleaned with alcohol. 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. If the area is painful after the injection, ice, acetaminophen, or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibprofen or naproxen sodium, may be used.
We also offer Ultrasound Guided Injections & Joint Injections.
What can I expect during TPI?
A Trigger Point Injection (TPI) is an injection that is given directly into the Trigger Point for pain management. The injection may be an anesthetic such as lidocaine or bupivacaine, a mixture of anesthetics, or a corticosteroid (cortisone medication) mixed with an anesthetic.
The risk of complication from a TPI is very low. Complications, such as bleeding, allergic reaction and infections at the injection site are rare. You may have temporary soreness at the injection site.
Physiatry
Physiatry is the practice of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), which aims to restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons, which could be due to age, injury, and/or illness.
What are Electromyography/Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS)?
Electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical impulse of muscles at rest and during contraction.
During this portion of the test, the physician uses small fine wire (about the size of an acupuncture needle) to test the muscle and record electrical activity in various muscles of the legs or arms. This may cause a small pinch and is very tolerable. If a muscle doesn’t receive adequate signals from a damaged nerve, it broadcasts abnormal signals.
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure nerve conduction characteristics and determine how well individual nerves can transmit electrical signals.
Nerves control the muscles in the body by using electrical impulses, these impulses make the muscles react and move in specific ways. Nerve and muscle disorders cause the muscles to react in abnormal ways.
During this portion of the test, surface electrode patches are placed along the known course of the nerve. The nerve is stimulated with a very small electrical current and should transmit the signal along it’s course. The electrical stimulation may make your muscle twitch but will not cause burns or electrical damage. A healthy nerve will transmit the signal faster and stronger than a damaged nerve.