Muscle tension and painful knots are common issues that can disrupt your day, limit mobility, and affect your overall quality of life. Whether it’s from stress, posture, or physical activity, these tight areas—known as trigger points—can become persistent and painful if not treated properly. We’ll explore what muscle knots are, how trigger point injections work, and what to expect before and after the procedure.
What Are Muscle Knots?
Muscle knots—also called trigger points—are small, tight areas in the muscle tissue that fail to relax. These spots often feel like lumps or nodules and can cause pain directly in the area or radiate discomfort to other parts of the body.
Common causes of muscle knots include:
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Repetitive motion or overuse
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Poor posture
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Physical or emotional stress
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Long periods of inactivity
Trigger points are most commonly found in the shoulders, neck, and back, but they can occur in any muscle group. When left untreated, they can interfere with sleep, productivity, and daily activities.
What Are Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger point injections are a simple, in-office treatment used to release these painful muscle knots. The procedure involves injecting a small amount of medication—typically a local anesthetic or a combination of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication—directly into the trigger point.
At Neighborhood Medical Center in Dallas, TX, Dr. McElya provides trigger point injections as a highly effective treatment to relieve muscle tension and restore comfort.
Benefits of Trigger Point Injections
Patients often choose trigger point injections because they offer:
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Fast pain relief in targeted areas
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Minimally invasive treatment with little to no downtime
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Improved mobility and range of motion
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A safe option for those not responding well to oral medications or physical therapy
These injections are especially helpful for individuals dealing with chronic muscle tension or those recovering from an injury.
Dr. McElya offers personalized, compassionate care to address the root cause of your muscle pain. Through targeted treatments like trigger point injections, we help relieve discomfort and restore mobility—safely and effectively.
What to Expect During Treatment
Dr. McElya will begin with a consultation and examination. Once it’s determined that trigger point injections are appropriate, the procedure is performed in our Dallas office and typically takes only a few minutes.
The Process:
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Preparation: The area is cleaned and may be numbed with a topical anesthetic.
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Injection: A small needle is used to inject the medication directly into the trigger point.
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Aftercare: You may experience mild soreness, but most people return to normal activities shortly afterward.
For best results, Dr. McElya may also recommend complementary care such as physical therapy, stretching, or posture correction.
Aftercare and Recovery
Post-treatment care is straightforward:
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Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours
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Stay hydrated to support muscle recovery
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Apply ice if there is mild soreness
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Monitor the area for any unusual symptoms
Most patients experience significant improvement within a few days. For chronic conditions, a series of injections may be recommended based on your treatment plan.
Are You a Candidate?
Trigger point injections are ideal for adults experiencing persistent muscle pain or tightness that hasn’t improved with rest, massage, or over-the-counter treatments. They’re commonly used to treat:
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Shoulder and neck tension
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Lower back pain
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Tension headaches caused by muscle strain
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Muscle pain related to poor posture or repetitive motion
During your consultation, Dr. McElya will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine if this treatment is right for you.
Supporting Long-Term Muscle Health
While trigger point injections offer quick relief, maintaining healthy muscles requires long-term attention. In addition to treatment, the team at Neighborhood Medical Center in Dallas encourages:
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Regular stretching and movement
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Posture awareness, especially for desk workers
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Stress management through relaxation techniques
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Staying active with light exercise or walking
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Hydration and good nutrition
Combining these healthy habits with medical treatment, such as trigger point injections, can reduce the recurrence of muscle knots and improve your overall well-being.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don’t have to live with daily muscle pain. If you’ve been struggling with tightness, discomfort, or recurring muscle knots, Dr. McElya at Neighborhood Medical Center in Dallas, TX, is here to help whether you're a new or existing patient. With personalized care and proven treatments like trigger point injections, we’re committed to relieving your pain and restoring your quality of