Chronic pain, such as myofascial pain syndrome, can completely disrupt your quality of life. There are treatments that can help you get back on track, the only downside of these treatments is that they require surgery in most cases and you will have to spend some time in the hospital.
However, this doesn’t have to be the case. There are now non-invasive treatments that provide long-term relief. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy and trigger point injections are significant because they enable you to manage discomfort and eliminate pain without undergoing major surgery. Each treatment offers distinct methods and benefits tailored to specific types of pain.
This article explores how effective extracorporeal shockwave therapy and trigger point injection are in the treatment of chronic pain. We will assess each method’s ability to relieve chronic pain and consider which might be better for your specific condition.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), better known as shockwave therapy, is a non invasive treatment which uses high-energy acoustic waves to aid the body’s natural tissue repair. It promotes tissue regeneration by reducing inflammation, such as in conditions like tennis elbow and Achilles tendonitis.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
With extracorporeal shockwave therapy, there are no injections, which is good news for those who are afraid of needles. Rather, shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves to target injured tissues. This method jumpstarts cellular processes and sparks neovascularization which helps to form new blood vessels in patients.
As a result, blood circulation gets a considerable boost, ensuring oxygen, growth factors and nutrients needed for tissue repair rush to the affected area, thereby promoting tissue recovery. Additionally, this healing response also triggers the release of various biochemical substances that can help to reduce inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, and modulate pain perception.
The Benefits of Shockwave Therapy in Chronic Pain Management
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy effectively alleviates myofascial pain. It proficiently targets and diminishes pain syndromes associated with the upper trapezius and quadratus lumborum regions, offering a potent solution for those afflicted.
Key benefits include:
- Non-invasive: ESWT does not involve injections or surgery.
- Prolonged pain relief: By modulating the pain pressure threshold and pain and disability levels, ESWT has shown sustained relief.
- Physical therapy complement: Numerous clinical investigations advocate its application as a supplementary aid to physical therapy for alleviating discomfort in myofascial pain syndromes.
What are Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger point injections (TPI) provide a direct and focused therapy for individuals experiencing myofascial pain syndrome, offering targeted relief with precision and effectiveness. This procedure requires the precise administration of a local anaesthetic, occasionally mixed with a corticosteroid, directly into the myofascial trigger points.
Such injections are designed to alleviate pain, particularly in individuals suffering from chronic back pain. Known for their efficacy, TPIs are often employed to reduce pain intensity and enhance functionality and mobility in patients dealing with conditions like neck pain, fibromyalgia, and referred pain.
Benefits of Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injection treatment offers distinct advantages, especially for individuals experiencing myofascial pain syndrome in the upper trapezius or other specific muscle groups. Benefits include:
- Immediate pain relief: The injection’s anaesthetic component acts swiftly to diminish pain sensations.
- Improved functionality: Alleviation of discomfort enhances movement capabilities and elevates life quality.
- Minimally invasive: TPIs are less invasive than surgery but more direct than shock wave therapy.
Comparing ESWT and Trigger Point Injections
When comparing shock wave therapy to trigger point injections, the effectiveness of each in the management and treatment of myofascial pain syndrome becomes apparent. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy may offer more lasting relief for patients with myofascial pain syndromes, as it supports cellular regeneration.
In contrast, trigger points in the temporal and upper body regions often respond well to trigger point injections.
ESWT vs Trigger Point Injections: Which is Right for You?
Choosing between shock wave therapy versus trigger point injection depends on the type and location of the pain. ESWT is typically more effective for broad soft tissue injuries and promotes cellular repair.
In contrast, TPI for pain is highly localised, offering immediate pain relief in specific muscle groups, such as those affected by pain syndromes in the quadratus lumborum. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown both methods are beneficial. The efficacy of each treatment depends on your specific condition, so it’s imperative to speak with your pain specialist to understand and choose the best treatment for you.
Final Thoughts
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy and trigger point injections offer significant advantages for individuals enduring chronic pain. Those facing myofascial pain syndrome or issues in the quadratus lumborum should consult a pain specialist to choose the most appropriate treatment.
If chronic pain is a challenge and you are in search of a thorough treatment plan, our team at Total Pain Specialist Clinic Singapore can help. We are committed to offering personalised care that suits your specific needs, employing extracorporeal shockwave therapy and trigger point injections, along with other advanced therapies. Contact us today to learn how modern pain management can help you achieve lasting relief.
Total Pain Specialist