Dysport® for trapezius muscles relieves pain in the neck, shoulders, and back

Yes! It absolutely is; however, Dysport’s uses go beyond cosmetic enhancement. Dysport® is formulated with the active botulinum toxin ingredient. This ingredient relaxes muscles. When used as a wrinkle treatment, it reduces the muscle activity in areas such as around the eyes, between the eyebrows, and on the forehead. When these muscles contract, they pull the skin and cause forehead creases, “frown lines,” and “crow’s feet.” By injecting Dysport® into the muscles on the forehead or around the eyes, they do not contract, and the overlying skin stays smooth. We can also use Dysport’s muscle-relaxing capabilities to treat other areas of the body and other concerns – beyond expression lines.

The “tox” part refers to “Botox®.” Dysport® is an alternative to Botox®. Both products fall under a category of injectable treatments called neurotoxins or neuromodulators. While Botox® is the oldest product of its kind, newer treatments have emerged that use the same active ingredient and work in much the same way, including Dysport®. So, traptox is shorthand for Botox® and the trapezius muscle, a nickname specific to using Dysport® as a treatment for overactive muscles in the neck, back, and shoulders.

During treatment, one of our talented injectors applies Dysport® to the trapezius muscles that support posture and shoulder and neck movement. The botulinum toxin in Dysport® then goes to work to relax the treated muscles. As the muscle relaxes, the pain associated with tension dissipates. This distinctive pain tends to “collect” in the mid- to upper-back, neck, and shoulders due to repetitive behaviors; for instance, being hunched over a desk or in front of a keyboard or device all day. These habits and behaviors can place considerable strain on the muscles, as they must work overtime to hold up your head. Additionally, the trapezius muscles tend to be highly reactive to emotional stress and anxiety. When people are stressed or anxious, they may instinctively brace their shoulders. Dysport® temporarily prevents these muscles from contracting, allowing them to relax and recover.

Since the procedure is not invasive, there isn’t anything to recover from, but the injection sites can be sore, tender, swollen, or bruised. These effects are normal and typically go away after 1-2 days. Don’t rub, massage, or touch the area at first, because this can cause Dysport® to migrate from the injection sites to other areas. Your neck, shoulders, and back may not hurt as much or as often within around three to seven days post-injection. You should feel increasingly better, little by little, with results peaking in around 2-4 weeks. As with all neurotoxins, the effects from Dysport® are temporary. They typically last 3-6 months. To maintain your comfort, mobility, and a slim silhouette, contact us as the effects from Dysport® wear off, so we can schedule “touch-up” injections.