**POST INJECTION SORENESS IS EXPECTED AFTER TREATMENT LASTING A FEW DAYS**
Clinical Presentation
Patients who have trigger points often report regional, persistent pain that usually results in a decreased range of motion of the muscle in question. Moreover, when firm pressure is applied over the trigger point in a snapping fashion perpendicular to the muscle, a "local twitch response" is often elicited. A local twitch response is defined as a transient visible or palpable contraction or dimpling of the muscle and skin as the tense muscle fibers (taut band) of the trigger point contract when pressure is applied. This response is elicited by a sudden change of pressure on the trigger point by needle penetration into the trigger point or by transverse snapping palpation of the trigger point across the direction of the taut band of muscle fibers. Thus, a classic trigger point is defined as the presence of discrete focal tenderness located in a palpable taut band of skeletal muscle, which produces both referred regional pain (zone of reference) and a local twitch response. Trigger points help define myofascial pain syndromes.
Contraindications to Trigger Point Injection
Bleeding disorder
Intake of Aspirin within three days of acupuncture
Acute muscle trauma
Extreme fear of needles
Possible Complications involved with Trigger Point Injections
Fainting
Skin Infection
Pneumothorax
Needle breakage
Hematoma formation