Injections

Trigger Point Injections for Muscle Pain in Singapore

Trigger points are tight, tender knots in a muscle. They cause pain where you press, and pain that spreads to other areas. For example, a trigger point in the shoulder muscle can send pain up the neck and into the head. This pattern is called myofascial pain.

Written and reviewed by Dr Christopher Liu, Pain PhysicianLast reviewed: 27 October 2026About Dr Liu

A trigger point injection places a small amount of local anaesthetic, sometimes with a small dose of steroid, directly into the knot to relax it and ease the pain. It is often used alongside stretching and physiotherapy, so you can move more comfortably while the muscle recovers.

Who may benefit from trigger point injections

Trigger point injections may help if you have:

muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back or lower back that hasn’t settled with rest, medication or physiotherapy
tender knots that bring on your usual pain when pressed
headaches that start from tight neck and shoulder muscles

Your doctor will first examine you to confirm the pain is coming from the muscle and not from a joint, disc or nerve, which would need different treatment such as facet joint injections or epidural steroid injections.

What to expect during the procedure

The injection is done in the clinic and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Your doctor finds the trigger point by touch. For selected patients, your doctor uses ultrasound to guide the needle more precisely.
You may feel a brief twitch or ache as the needle reaches the knot.
Most people go home straight after and return to normal activities the same day.
Some soreness at the injection site for a day or two is common.

Possible side effects

Side effects are uncommon and usually mild. They include soreness, bruising and, rarely, infection. If a steroid is used, some people notice brief facial flushing, or a temporary rise in blood sugar if they have diabetes. When injecting near the chest wall, there is a very small risk of puncturing the lung, and ultrasound guidance helps reduce this risk. Your doctor will go through the risks with you before the procedure.

Dr Christopher Liu, Pain Physician

MOH accredited Pain Specialist and Medical Director of Alleviate Pain Clinic at Farrer Park Hospital. He completed an interventional pain fellowship at the University Health Network in Toronto and was previously a Senior Consultant in Pain Medicine at Singapore General Hospital.

Common questions

Are trigger point injections painful?

You'll feel a needle prick and a brief ache or twitch in the muscle. Most people find it very tolerable.

How is a trigger point injection different from dry needling?

Dry needling uses a needle without any medication. A trigger point injection adds local anaesthetic, and sometimes a small dose of steroid, which can make the procedure more comfortable and ease pain sooner.

Do I need a referral to see a pain specialist?

No. You can book a consultation directly. If you have recent scans or medical reports, please bring them along.