Trigger Point Injection Therapy in San Antonio, TX
Trigger point injections treat painful, tight muscle areas that can contribute to persistent discomfort, stiffness, and limited movement. For patients dealing with muscle pain that does not improve enough with stretching, medication, physical therapy, or other conservative care, this targeted treatment may be incorporated into a broader chronic pain management plan.
Physicians at Freedom Spine & Pain Center have advanced training in anesthesiology and pain care. Rajesh K. Sharma, MD, is board-certified in anesthesiology and pain management and completed fellowship training in interventional pain management. Vrunda Pandya, MD, is board-certified in anesthesiology and fellowship-trained in regional anesthesia.
Their backgrounds support careful evaluation of muscular pain and the use of targeted procedures such as trigger point injections when appropriate.
What Are Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger points are small, sensitive areas within tight bands of muscle. They may feel like knots and can cause pain directly at the site or produce referred pain in another part of the body.
During a trigger point injection, a small needle is placed into the affected muscle area. Depending on the treatment plan, the injection may contain a local anesthetic, medication, or another solution intended to help relax the muscle and reduce discomfort.
The goal is to decrease irritation in the affected muscle while helping restore more comfortable movement.
What Types of Pain Can Trigger Points Cause?
Trigger points can develop after muscle overuse, repetitive strain, injury, poor movement patterns, or prolonged muscle tension. In some cases, they may contribute to ongoing pain even after the original injury has improved.
Symptoms associated with trigger points can include:
- Localized muscle tenderness
- Tight or stiff muscles
- Pain that spreads to another area
- Reduced range of motion
- Discomfort that worsens with pressure or activity
- Recurring muscle spasms
Because similar symptoms can result from nerve, joint, or spine conditions, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins.
What Happens During a Trigger Point Injection?
The provider identifies the painful muscle area and places a thin needle directly into the trigger point. The provider may treat more than one area in the same appointment when several trigger points contribute to symptoms.
The procedure is typically brief and performed in the office. Temporary soreness can occur afterward, and stretching or physical therapy may be recommended to support muscle movement and recovery.
How Long Can Trigger Point Injection Relief Last?
Relief varies depending on the cause and severity of the muscle irritation. Some patients notice improvement relatively quickly, while others experience gradual changes over time.
Trigger point injections may be combined with physical therapy, exercise, posture changes, or other treatments when recurring muscle tension is part of a larger pain problem.
Are Trigger Point Injections Right for Chronic Pain Management?
These injections may be considered when muscle-related pain has persisted despite conservative care. Evaluation helps determine whether trigger points are the primary source of discomfort or whether spine, nerve, or joint conditions may also be involved.
Medical history, pain location, examination findings, previous treatments, and functional limitations all help guide the treatment plan.
Why Choose Freedom Spine & Pain Center for Trigger Point Injections?
Successful trigger point treatment begins with determining whether muscle irritation is actually responsible for the patient’s symptoms. Dr. Rajesh Sharma is board-certified in anesthesiology and pain management, with additional residency training in internal medicine and fellowship training in interventional pain management. His background supports the evaluation of complex and overlapping sources of chronic pain.
Dr. Vrunda Pandya is board-certified in anesthesiology and completed fellowship training in regional anesthesia at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Hospital for Special Surgery. Her experience also includes orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures and postoperative pain control.
Together, the physicians at Freedom Spine & Pain Center bring advanced procedural training to chronic pain management, allowing them to incorporate trigger point injections thoughtfully into an individualized treatment plan.
Find Relief From Muscle Pain in San Antonio, TX
Trigger point injections may help reduce persistent muscle pain and stiffness when tight, irritated areas are contributing to symptoms.
Contact Freedom Spine & Pain Center at 210-920-8945 to schedule a consultation and discuss trigger point injection therapy in San Antonio, TX.
