Trigger Point Injections Near Richmond, VA

Experience Relief from Pelvic Pain Today.

What are Trigger Point Injections?

A trigger point injection (TPI) is a therapeutic technique designed to alleviate pain in tight, contracted muscle areas that fail to relax. These areas, often felt as knots, tender spots, or pressure points, can be palpated beneath the skin and may irritate surrounding nerves, leading to referred pain—discomfort felt in a different region of the body.

In gynecological care, myofascial trigger points are frequently a source of persistent pelvic pain that can disrupt daily activities and reduce overall quality of life. These trigger points may develop in the lower abdominal wall, sometimes being mistaken for ovarian pain, or within the pelvic floor muscles, which provide support to the bladder, vagina, and rectum. Trigger point injections serve as a targeted approach to relieve localized muscle pain. This procedure involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic, occasionally combined with a steroid, directly into the affected area. This process works by deactivating the trigger point, reducing nerve activity related to pain, and alleviating inflammation.

This treatment offers meaningful relief from both chronic and acute pain, helping to improve movement and ease discomfort associated with conditions such as painful intercourse, bowel movement pain, bladder discomfort, and other chronic pelvic pain syndromes.

What are Trigger Point Injections Used For?

Trigger point injections are used to address various gynecological-related conditions, including:

Persistent pelvic pain
Myofascial pain linked to endometriosis
Discomfort during sexual intercourse
Pain associated with bladder filling and urination
Pelvic pain triggered by bowel movements

Benefits of Trigger Point Injections

The benefits of trigger point injections include:

Provides fast-acting pain relief
Improves mobility in affected muscles
Reduces dependence on oral pain medications
Minimally invasive procedure with little to no downtime
Helps identify sources of referred pain
Can be performed in-office with inhaled nitrous oxide or in a surgical setting with conscious sedation if needed

Are You a Candidate in Richmond?

If you are considering treatment for ongoing pain that has not improved with previous therapies, including pelvic floor physical therapy, trigger point injections may be a suitable option. You might be a candidate for this treatment if you experience:

Chronic, localized pelvic discomfort
Pain that does not respond to oral medications
A history of conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids
Little to no relief from physical therapy interventions

What To Expect

At The Center for Advanced Gynecology, your trigger point injection appointment will begin with a detailed evaluation of your medical history and a physical examination to accurately identify the muscle areas contributing to your discomfort. Depending on your needs, the procedure may be scheduled for a follow-up visit.

The injection itself is a brief process, typically completed in just a few minutes. Using a fine needle, your provider will administer medication directly into the affected trigger points. While mild discomfort is common during the procedure, this sensation is temporary. For vaginal injections, we often apply topical lidocaine to minimize discomfort, and we also offer inhaled nitrous oxide as an additional comfort measure.

Many patients in Richmond notice relief almost immediately, while others experience a gradual reduction in pain over the next few days. Your provider may also suggest incorporating targeted stretches or physical therapy into your treatment plan to enhance the effects of the injection and support long-term pain management.

Risks of Trigger Point Injections

Although trigger point injections are considered safe, there are some potential risks, including:

Infection at the site of the injection
Temporary discomfort or localized swelling
Minor bleeding or bruising where the needle was inserted
Allergic reaction to the injected medication

Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology

The Center for Advanced Gynecology has been serving the Richmond community since 2018, providing exceptional care with a strong emphasis on gynecological health and advanced surgical techniques when necessary. Our commitment to patient well-being ensures that individuals receive expert guidance, whether they require routine gynecologic services or more specialized surgical interventions.

Our experienced team also offers non-surgical treatment options for chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and discomfort related to vaginal, vulvar, and bladder conditions. We take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing these issues, helping patients in Richmond achieve relief and improve their quality of life.

As our practice has expanded, we have continued to meet the growing needs of our community by providing a wide range of gynecological services. Our offerings include routine exams, cancer screenings, Pap smears, menopause management, treatment for hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast health evaluations, contraceptive counseling, and care for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, trigger point injections can be beneficial for managing myofascial pain linked to endometriosis. The chronic pain caused by endometriosis can lead to increased pelvic floor and abdominal muscle tension due to continuous guarding against discomfort. This often results in secondary myofascial pain. By targeting these tense muscle areas with trigger point injections, many patients in Richmond experience relief from the persistent muscle pain associated with endometriosis.

Trigger point injections are generally not the preferred treatment for menstrual cramp-related pain. Menstrual cramping originates from the uterus, while trigger point injections primarily address pain stemming from muscles in the pelvic and abdominal regions. If you’re experiencing significant menstrual pain in Richmond, our team can discuss alternative treatments tailored to your specific needs.

The ideal frequency of trigger point injections varies based on how well you respond to the treatment and the severity of your condition. Some patients in Richmond may benefit from injections every few weeks, while others may only need them every few months as part of a long-term pain management plan. If the relief provided by injections is short-lived, your provider may explore botulinum toxin injections as an off-label, longer-acting alternative.

Relief from pelvic pain following a trigger point injection can vary. Some patients in Richmond may feel immediate improvement, while others might notice a reduction in discomfort over the course of a few days.

For most individuals in Richmond, there is little to no recovery time needed after receiving a trigger point injection for gynecological concerns. While some mild soreness or swelling at the injection site may occur, it usually subsides within a few days. Your provider will offer personalized aftercare instructions to help optimize the healing process and effectiveness of the treatment.

Yes, in most cases, medical insurance plans cover trigger point injections. If you're in Richmond and have questions about coverage, our team can assist you in understanding your insurance benefits.