Trigger Point Injection

Trigger points are areas of muscle and connective tissue that are more tender than the surrounding tissues. Often times there is a palpable difference in the tissue texture. You can think of a trigger point as an area where the nerve pain signal has remained turned on.

Trigger point injection involves injecting a solution containing saline or a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine or xylocaine, with the intention of disrupting the nerve impulse that is causing the tissue to constrict or be painful. Once the "On" switch is turned off, then the tissue can start to return to normal.

Trigger point injections may need to be repeated depending on the severity and duration of the trigger point or points The longer a trigger point has been present or if there are factors such as posture contributing to it's resistance, then multiple sessions may be needed to treat the trigger point. Trigger point injections can be performed every one to two weeks. Trigger points will often resolve within three to four treatments. Trigger point injections may be more effective when performed in conjunction with manual therapies such as osteopathic manipulation.

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is also known as "proliferation therapy," "regenerative injection therapy," or "proliferative injection therapy". It involves injecting an otherwise non-pharmacological and non-active irritant solution into the body, generally in the region of tendons or ligaments for the purpose of strengthening weakened connective tissue and alleviating musculoskeletal pain.


Prolotherapy treatment sessions are generally given every two to six weeks for several months in a series ranging from 3 to 6 or more treatments. Many patients receive treatment at less frequent intervals until treatments are rarely required, if at all. Dr. Mokari has found prolotherapy to be particularly effective when combined with osteopathic manipulation therapy.


Indications for prolotherapy may include one or more of the following: 
* Low back pain
* Knee osteoarthritis
* Achilles tendinopathy
* Shoulder dislocation (recurrent)
* Neck strain
* Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
* Costochondritis
* Lateral epicondylitis
* Fibromyalgia
* Pain from whiplash injury
* Plantar fasciitis