Well the picture you made is very funny. Poor doggies!
I have been getting trigger point shots for 2 years now every other week. I can't live without them.
At first it is painful but eventually you will get used to them. You may only have to go a few times but my trigger points are bad and I need to get them done often.
You may bruise or feel bruised after its done but a couple of days after you will feel much better.
And to answer your question, yes it does help with radiating pain. Or at least if it hits the right spot it does with me.
I've tried the tennis ball thing. I just doesn't go deep enough...know what I mean?