Trigger Point Injections on Long Island
What Are Trigger Point Injections?
Expertly Written by Dr. Munif Hussain, Sports Medicine Physician on Long Island
Trigger point injections are minimally invasive treatments that may help relieve muscle pain caused by tight bands of muscle fibers—often called trigger points. These knots can form after injury, overuse, or stress and may refer to pain in other areas of the body.
At South Island Orthopedics, Munif Hussain, DO, MS, CAQSM, uses ultrasound-guided trigger point injections for enhanced precision and comfort. Real-time imaging allows him to locate the exact muscle fibers affected and deliver medication accurately.
How Trigger Point Injections May Help
Ultrasound-guided trigger point injections can help reduce pain and stiffness from:
- Chronic neck or back pain
- Shoulder or trapezius muscle tension
- Headaches related to muscle strain
- Sports-related or repetitive-motion injuries
- Spasms of the hamstring, thigh and low back
Medications used may include a local anesthetic (such as lidocaine, bupivacaine, or saline) and, when appropriate, a small dose of corticosteroid. Dr. Hussain tailors each injection plan based on the patient’s condition and activity level.
Ultrasound-Guided Accuracy for Better Results
Dr. Munif Hussain uses ultrasound to guide trigger point injections for precise muscle treatment.
Traditional trigger point injections rely on palpation to locate the muscle knot. Dr. Hussain’s use of ultrasound guidance can help:
- Accurate placement of medication
- Reduced risk of discomfort or misplaced injection
- Shorter procedure times
- A more personalized approach
Ultrasound also helps identify deep-tissue trigger points associated with conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, and tension headaches.
Conditions That May Benefit from Trigger Point Injections
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Upper and lower back pain
- Sciatica, gluteal and hip pain
- TMJ and jaw tension
- Migraine or tension headaches
- Sports injuries and overuse pain
- Muscle knots or trapezius spasms
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Dr. Hussain begins by identifying the source of muscle tension through gentle examination and ultrasound imaging. A small needle is guided into the trigger point, and a controlled amount of medication is delivered to help relax the muscle fibers.
The procedure takes only a few minutes, and most patients experience mild temporary soreness before improvement begins. The number of treatments depends on the individual’s condition and response.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trigger Point Injections
Do trigger point injections actually work?
They may help relieve pain for patients with muscle tension or myofascial pain. Ultrasound guidance improves accuracy and comfort.
Are trigger point injections painful?
Most patients report only mild pressure or brief discomfort. The injection site may be tender for a short period.
Are trigger point injections the same as cortisone shots?
Not always. Some contain a corticosteroid, while others use only anesthetic or saline. Dr. Hussain recommends what fits your needs.
Can you get trigger point injections without steroids?
Yes. Non-steroid options like lidocaine or saline are often used for patients sensitive to corticosteroids.
How long do trigger point injections last?
Relief duration varies by condition and muscle involvement. Some patients benefit for weeks or months before reevaluation.
Who performs trigger point injections?
At South Island Orthopedics, injections are performed by Dr. Munif Hussain, a board-certified sports medicine physician skilled in musculoskeletal ultrasound techniques.
About Dr. Munif Hussain
Ultrasound-guided injections help target muscle knots precisely for relief of neck, shoulder, or back pain.
Dr. Munif Hussain provides advanced, non-surgical treatment for sports injuries and muscle pain at South Island Orthopedics. Fluent in Bengali, English, and Spanish, he specializes in ultrasound-guided procedures, regenerative therapies, and evidence-based sports medicine for patients of all ages.
If chronic muscle tension, back pain, or headaches are limiting your activity, you may benefit from a consultation with Dr. Munif Hussain.
Cedarhurst: 448 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516
Rockville Centre: 2000 N Village Avenue, Suite 311, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Phone: 516-550-3463
Email: contact@siortho.com