Trigger Point Injection Pricing: Complete Insurance Coverage & Payment Guide

If you’re considering trigger point injections (TPIs) for muscle pain relief, you’re probably wondering: How much will this cost, and will my insurance cover it? At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we believe in transparent pricing and straightforward answers, especially when it comes to the care that can improve your daily quality of life.

This is why we’ve created this guide—so you can learn what to expect when it comes to trigger point injection costs, insurance details, and flexible, cash pay payment options.

What Are Trigger Point Injections?

Trigger point injections are used to treat painful muscle knots that haven’t resolved with stretching, massage, or rest. These hyperirritable spots—called trigger points—are common in people with chronic neck pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, and myofascial pain syndrome. Unlike joint or nerve block injections, TPIs are delivered directly into the tight bands of muscle tissue where the pain originates.

A TPI injection typically contains a local anesthetic, and sometimes a corticosteroid, that helps relax the problem muscle and reduce inflammation. The goal is to deactivate the trigger point, allowing the muscle to release and function normally again. The injection is quick and can offer significant relief, especially when combined with other therapies.

Average Trigger Point Injection Cost in Arizona

Without insurance, the average cost for a single TPI session in Arizona, and particularly in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding areas can range from $150 to $300. Pricing depends on:

• The number of injections needed
• The experience and training of the physician or physician assistant
• Facility-specific fees (e.g., outpatient vs. hospital-based care)

The cost of a trigger point injection at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians is $150 for 1-2 muscle groups and $200 for three or more muscle groups.

Some patients need 3 to 4 injections spaced out over several weeks to achieve lasting relief. While the cost of multiple injections can add up, it still remains significantly lower than the long-term expenses of surgery or chronic medication use.

Insurance Coverage for Trigger Point Injections

There’s more good news: Most major insurance plans cover trigger point injections when they’re deemed medically necessary. We submit claims directly to your insurance on your behalf in this case.

However, coverage may require several documentation steps:

• A referral or pre-authorization, depending on your plan
• Evidence that conservative treatments (like physical therapy or medication) have failed
• Proper diagnosis coding from your specialist

There may also be coverage limitations, as some insurance plans will restrict how frequently you can receive injections or cap the number of injections allowed each year. And finally, some insurances, including Medicare, have documentation requirements that are so stringent that they are difficult if not impossible to meet.

Payment Options at Desert Spine & Sports

For patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or prefer not to use their insurance, we offer flexible cash pay payment options:

• Self-Pay – Pricing for patients who choose to pay out of pocket.
• HSA/FSA Eligibility – Employer-sponsored health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts can be used to cover TPI costs.
• Payment Plans – We offer flexible installment plans for patients receiving multiple treatments.

If you’re unsure of your health benefits, our staff can often provide a same-day cost estimate with insurance verification.

Factors Affecting Your Out-of-Pocket Costs

Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs can vary patient-to-patient. Here’s why:

• Deductible Status: If you haven’t met your annual deductible, you may be responsible for a larger portion of the cost.
• Copay vs. Coinsurance: Some plans require a flat fee per visit, while others charge a percentage of the total cost.
• In-Network Benefits: Desert Spine and Sports participates with many major insurance plans. In-network services generally cost less than out-of-network care.
• Number of Injections: Costs can increase if multiple trigger points are treated in the same session.
• Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximums: Once you reach this amount, your insurance may cover 100% of your care.

We’ll help you understand exactly how your benefits apply so you can plan ahead and make informed decisions.

Reach Out For Your Personalized TPI Pricing Today

If you’re ready to find relief from persistent muscle pain, our board-certified, fellowship-trained physiatrists and pain management physicians are here to help—with expert care, evidence-based treatments, and complete pricing transparency.

We have six convenient locations across Arizona, and a team of board-certified physicians specializing in non-surgical pain relief. Contact us today to request your personalized trigger point injection cost estimate or to schedule a consultation.