Trigger Point Injections Specialist in San Francisco, CA
At Presidio Pain Relief, Dr. Robert Savala MD offers effective trigger point injections to treat musculoskeletal pain. These injections target specific muscle areas to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore function. Trust our expert team for personalized, pain-relieving care.
For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109.
What is a trigger point injection?
At Presidio Pain Relief, we specialize in advanced pain management techniques, including trigger point injections to treat chronic discomfort. Trigger points are hyperirritable muscle areas that cause localized and referred pain. These injections are effective for conditions like myofascial pain syndrome, headaches, neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Our primary goals with trigger point injections are to alleviate pain, improve range of motion, restore muscle function, and reduce inflammation. By inactivating overactive trigger points, we interrupt the pain cycle and promote healing.
When you visit us, our specialists will accurately identify trigger points using palpation or ultrasound. The procedure is performed in a sterile environment, with an anesthetic to numb the area and enhance comfort. A corticosteroid may be used for therapeutic injection, targeting the source of pain and inflammation. This comprehensive, patient-centered approach helps you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve overall well-being.
What conditions can trigger point injections treat?
At Presidio Pain Relief, we offer trigger point injections as a targeted solution for musculoskeletal and systemic pain. Trigger points are hyper-irritable muscle spots that cause localized and referred pain. Our skilled practitioners use a combination of anesthetic and corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and restore function.
Conditions treated with trigger point injections include
Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Relieve chronic muscle pain and stiffness
Tennis and Golfer's Elbow: Reduce pain and restore elbow mobility
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Address forearm muscle tension to alleviate hand and finger pain
Plantar Fasciitis: Target heel pain and improve foot mobility
Back and Neck Pain: Alleviate chronic pain and restore movement
Headaches: Target neck and scalp muscles to reduce tension headaches
By delivering precise treatment, trigger point injections help you regain control over your body, improve quality of life, and support pain-free daily activities.
How does a trigger point injection work?
At Presidio Pain Relief, we specialize in offering comprehensive pain management solutions tailored to your needs. One of the effective treatments we provide is trigger point injections, designed to alleviate the discomfort associated with muscle knots, commonly referred to as trigger points. These hyperirritable areas in muscle tissue can cause localized pain and may also refer pain to other parts of the body. Trigger points often develop due to muscle overuse, stress, or injury, impacting your daily activities and quality of life.
Our experienced healthcare professionals expertly identify trigger points through palpation, a careful examination to pinpoint areas of tightness and tenderness. Once a trigger point is located, we proceed with a minimally invasive injection using a fine needle. Typically, the injection includes a local anesthetic like lidocaine or bupivacaine to numb the area, providing you with immediate pain relief. In some cases, a corticosteroid such as dexamethasone or triamcinolone acetonide is added to reduce inflammation, or a saline solution is used to help dissolve the knot.
Trigger point injections offer multiple therapeutic benefits
Local Anesthetic Effect: The anesthetic component quickly interrupts pain signals from the trigger point, delivering rapid relief and reducing muscle fiber sensitivity.
Muscle Relaxation: By alleviating muscle tension and spasms, the injection helps break the cycle of pain and contraction, promoting relaxation.
Anti-inflammatory Effect: Corticosteroids in the injection decrease inflammation, a key factor in muscle pain, by suppressing inflammatory mediators.
Lubrication of Muscle Fibers: The procedure can enhance muscle function by reducing friction, improving range of motion, and alleviating stiffness-related pain.
Resetting of Muscle Memory: Some studies suggest injections may help reset the "memory" of previous muscle injuries, restoring normal muscle function.
Patients often experience immediate relief post-procedure, though a series of injections may be necessary for optimal results. This treatment is particularly beneficial for managing conditions like myofascial pain syndrome, tension headaches, and fibromyalgia, where trigger points contribute significantly to discomfort.
What should I expect after a trigger point injection?
At Presidio Pain Relief, our goal is to provide effective pain management solutions tailored to your needs. After receiving a trigger point injection, here's what you can anticipate as part of your journey to relief:
Immediate Effects
Experiencing some discomfort or pain at the injection site is normal immediately after the procedure. This typically eases within a few minutes. Our team is here to ensure your comfort and address any immediate concerns.
Short-Term Effects (24-48 Hours)
Pain Relief: Many of our patients report significant pain relief within the first 24-48 hours. The duration of relief can vary based on the severity of the trigger point, lasting from several days to weeks.
Temporary Soreness: It's common to feel some soreness or tenderness at the injection site, which usually resolves within a few days. Mild bruising or swelling may also occur but are generally temporary.
Activity Recommendations: We recommend avoiding strenuous activities that might strain the injected area for the first 24-48 hours. Gentle stretching and light activities can help maintain mobility and flexibility. Applying ice packs is also advised to reduce discomfort and swelling.
Long-Term Effects (Depending on Individual Response)
Sustained Pain Relief: Many patients at Presidio Pain Relief enjoy continued pain relief for weeks or even months post-injection.
Improved Muscle Function: The injection can help relax the trigger point, enhancing muscle function and range of motion.
Reduced Inflammation: By reducing inflammation around the trigger point, the injection further alleviates pain.
Breakthrough Pain: Some patients might experience occasional "breakthrough" pain, particularly during strenuous activities. Our team can provide guidance on managing this with pain relievers or additional injections if necessary.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Monitoring your response post-injection is crucial. Most patients experience reduced pain and improved range of motion. However, if you notice unusual symptoms such as increased pain, signs of infection (redness, warmth, or pus at the injection site), or an allergic reaction, contact Presidio Pain Relief immediately.
Rare but Possible Side Effects
Infection: Keep the injection site clean and report any signs of infection to our team promptly.
Bleeding: If you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners, please discuss this with us before the injection.
Allergic Reaction: Inform us of any allergies or previous reactions to medications to ensure your safety.
We're committed to supporting you every step of the way to ensure optimal outcomes from your treatment plan.
For more information, contact us or book an appointment online with the experienced team at Presidio Pain Relief in San Francisco, California. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109. We serve patients from Daly City CA, Sunset District CA, Bernal Heights CA, Bayview CA, Mission District CA, and surrounding areas.
