Trigger Point Injections: How They Help with Stress & Tension Pain
When chronic stress starts to take a physical toll, it often shows up in the form of tight muscles, tension headaches, and stubborn knots (especially in the neck, shoulders, and upper back). While many patients try massage, heat, or over-the-counter medications to find relief, these methods often provide only temporary results, which is why we recommend trigger point injections. This targeted treatment has gained popularity for its ability to quickly and effectively relieve stress-related muscle pain. At Injx Bar, our team of experienced wellness providers specializes in personalized treatment plans that support total body wellness, including the muscular system.
If you’re searching for answers to chronic tension or looking for trigger point injections near Peoria, AZ, this guide will help you understand how this treatment works, who it’s for, and what you can expect from start to finish.
What Are Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger point injections are designed to treat tight, irritable spots in your muscles, commonly known as “knots.” These trigger points can form due to stress, poor posture, overuse, or even trauma, and they’re notorious for radiating pain throughout your neck, shoulders, and back. When left untreated, they can contribute to headaches, tension, and limited mobility.
So, what are trigger point injections exactly? Simply put, the treatment involves injecting a small amount of medication directly into the trigger point. Because the medication goes directly into the muscle knot, it works faster and more effectively than systemic treatments. You’re not masking the pain, you’re treating the root cause. This makes trigger point injections especially helpful for people who feel like they’ve tried everything without results.
A trigger point injection typically includes:
Saline
Lidocaine (a local anesthetic)
Toradol (an anti-inflammatory medication)
Steroid (for more persistent inflammation)
Or Botox for more long-term muscle relaxation
Each solution is chosen based on the patient’s unique symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. This precise approach allows the medication to deactivate the knot, improve blood flow, and restore normal muscle function.
In some cases, we may also recommend regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or peptides such as BPC-157 to enhance healing. These can be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to traditional trigger point injections, especially for clients dealing with ongoing inflammation, tissue damage, or slow muscle recovery. These advanced options support your body’s natural ability to repair and regenerate at the cellular level.
Who Is a Candidate for Trigger Point Injections?
This treatment is ideal for patients experiencing:
Chronic neck or shoulder tension
Headaches that start from tight neck muscles
Limited range of motion due to muscle tightness
Referred pain that doesn’t respond to other therapies
Myofascial pain syndrome or fibromyalgia
While commonly used for stress-related pain, they can also be beneficial for postural issues, injury recovery, and musculoskeletal conditions that contribute to persistent discomfort.
What to Expect During Treatment
At Injx Bar, each appointment begins with a detailed consultation to assess your symptoms and identify the affected trigger points. Our providers take a client-centered approach to ensure you feel informed and confident in your treatment plan.
The Procedure
The treatment area is cleansed and marked.
Using a fine needle, your provider carefully injects the selected medication into each trigger point.
In some cases, ultrasound may be used to identify deep or difficult-to-locate knots for greater precision.
Most patients describe the sensation as a quick pinch or slight pressure. The procedure generally lasts 15–30 minutes, depending on the number of trigger points treated.
What to Expect After Trigger Point Injections
We know trying something new can be nerve-wracking. If you’re wondering what to expect after trigger point injections, here’s a quick summary of how your body may respond post-treatment.
Most patients report immediate relief following the procedure, with continued improvement over the next few days. You may feel a bit sore or bruised at the injection site, but this typically fades quickly. There’s minimal downtime, meaning you can get back to work, the gym, or your normal routine shortly after your appointment. Many of our clients describe the sensation as a “reset” for their body, which is especially helpful if stress-related tension is something you deal with on a daily basis.
How Long Do Trigger Point Injections Last?
One of the most common questions we get is how long do trigger point injections last, and the answer depends on a few key factors. It tends to vary depending on the medication used, the severity of your muscle tension, and your lifestyle factors.
With saline or lidocaine relief often lasts several weeks, with many patients returning monthly or as needed.
If you’re using Botox for trigger point injections, the results may last up to three months, offering longer-term muscle relaxation by temporarily blocking nerve activity.
Steroid-based injections can provide relief for several weeks to months, particularly when inflammation is a key factor.
Your provider will discuss the best options for your symptoms and goals, helping you determine the ideal frequency for treatment.
Trigger Point Injections vs. Other Treatment Options
There are a number of ways to treat muscle tension, including massage therapy, chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, and physical therapy. However, trigger point injections offer several unique advantages:
Treatment | Precision | Duration of Relief | Invasive | Medication Used |
---|---|---|---|---|
Massage | General | Short-term | No | No |
Dry Needling | Moderate | Varies | No | No |
Trigger Point Injections | High | Weeks to Months | Minimally | Yes (customized) |
Compared to these alternatives, trigger point injection therapy offers faster, more targeted results, especially when paired with wellness-based practices like movement, hydration, and stress reduction.
Botox for Trigger Point Injections: A Longer-Lasting Option
For patients with persistent tension or chronic muscle disorders, Botox for trigger point injections is often recommended. Botox works by relaxing the overactive muscle fibers that contribute to pain and stiffness, allowing your body to reset and heal more effectively.
This option is particularly helpful for patients with:
Long-term tension patterns
TMJ-related shoulder or neck tightness
Repetitive strain injuries
Where to Get Trigger Point Injections Near Peoria, AZ
If you’re looking for trusted providers of trigger point injections near Peoria, AZ, you’re in the right place! At Injx Bar, our wellness professionals are trained in evidence-based treatment techniques, giving us a unique ability to blend science, skill, and client care into every treatment.
We take the time to understand your pain patterns, stress levels, and goals before customizing a treatment plan that’s both effective and empowering. Whether it’s a simple saline injection or a blend of lidocaine and Toradol, your comfort and results are our top priority.
Your Personalized Path to Relief Starts Here
Whether you’re dealing with work-related tension, chronic anxiety, or the lingering effects of a past injury, trigger point injections may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
At Injx Bar, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all wellness. Every client is unique, which is why your trigger point injection treatment is customized during a one-on-one consultation. We’ll help you decide which type of injection is right for you and guide you through every step of the process and ensure your experience is comfortable, safe, and results-driven.
If you’re ready to finally get relief that lasts, reach out today! Your path to feeling better starts here.