We are a self pay private clinic so we do not accept insurance but happy to give you all the information you need to claim back any expenses.

Treatment duration depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, your past medical history, and other factors. Re-evaluations will be done to assess your progress to help you achieve your therapy goals.

We see and treats patients for a wide range of conditions and diagnoses. Please visit our Ultrasound Guided Injection information page for an extensive list of conditions and diagnoses we see patients for.

Be prepared to provide your previous medical or surgical history. If you have them and if they are relevant bring scan/MRI reports, and list of medication.

If we are treating your feet you will not be asked to undress but if we are treating anywhere else, you can wear comfortable and modest underwear/baggy clothes or even a pair of shorts is appropriate.

The number of steroid injections a patient can receive depends on various factors, including the specific medical condition being treated, the type of steroid used, and the individual's response to the injections. Steroid injections, such as corticosteroids, are commonly used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and certain spine-related issues.

Here are some general guidelines:

1. Limitations on Frequency:

   • For certain conditions, your joint care specialist may recommend a limit on the frequency of steroid injections. This is to avoid potential side effects associated with repeated use of corticosteroids.

2. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Use:

   • Steroid injections are often more suitable for short-term relief, and the number of injections may be limited over a specific time period. Prolonged and frequent use can increase the risk of side effects, such as tissue damage or changes in bone density.

3. Response to Treatment:

   • The decision to continue or repeat steroid injections may depend on how well a patient responds to the initial injections. If there is significant relief and improvement in symptoms, your joint care specialist may choose to continue the treatment cautiously.

4. Underlying Conditions:

   • The nature of the underlying medical condition influences the use of steroid injections. Some conditions may respond well to a limited number of injections, while others may require ongoing management with alternative treatments.

5. Consideration of Alternatives:

   • If a patient does not experience significant relief from steroid injections or if there are concerns about potential side effects, your joint care specialist may explore alternative treatment options.

It's important for patients to communicate openly with the joint care specialist about their symptoms, treatment outcomes, and any concerns or questions they may have. This allows for a collaborative decision-making process regarding the use and frequency of steroid injections.

The onset of action of a steroid injection can vary depending on several factors, including the specific condition being treated, the type and location of the injection, and individual patient factors. Here are some general guidelines, but it's important to note that individual responses can vary:

1. Immediate Relief:

   • Some patients may experience immediate relief or a reduction in symptoms shortly after receiving a steroid injection. This immediate response is often due to the local anaesthetic component commonly included in the injection to provide rapid but temporary relief.

2. Short-Term Relief:

   • The anti-inflammatory effects of the steroid itself may take a bit longer to manifest. Many patients report a noticeable reduction in pain and inflammation within a few days to a week after the injection.

3. Gradual Improvement:

   • For certain conditions, the maximum benefit of a steroid injection may take several days to a few weeks to become apparent. This gradual improvement is often seen in conditions like osteoarthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis.

4. Variable Responses:

   • Individual responses to steroid injections can be variable. While some individuals experience significant and prolonged relief, others may have a more modest response or find that the effects wear off over time.

5. Cumulative Effect with Repeat Injections:

   • In some cases, the effects of steroid injections may accumulate with repeated treatments. Your joint care specialist may recommend a series of injections over time to provide ongoing relief and manage chronic conditions.

It's important for patients to communicate with their healthcare provider about the timeline of their response to the injection. If there is no improvement or if symptoms persist, the joint care specialist may need to reevaluate the treatment plan and consider alternative interventions.

Additionally, while steroid injections can be effective in managing pain and inflammation, they are not a cure for underlying conditions. Therefore, healthcare providers often combine steroid injections with other therapeutic approaches, such as physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, or medications, to address the root cause of the issue and provide comprehensive care.

On the vast majority of occasions, people have minimal levels of pain following the injection. However, we suggest that where possible you have a friend or family member drive you to the appointment or you attend via public transport.

Steroid injections, specifically corticosteroid injections, are commonly used to treat various inflammatory conditions and provide relief from pain and swelling. It's important to note that while steroid injections can be effective in managing symptoms, they are not typically considered a cure for underlying conditions. The decision to use steroid injections is usually based on the specific diagnosis, symptoms, and the individual patient's needs. Some common conditions for which steroid injections may be recommended include:

1. Osteoarthritis:

   • Steroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from pain associated with osteoarthritis, especially in joints such as the knee, hip, or shoulder.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis:

   • Inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from steroid injections to alleviate joint inflammation and pain.

3. Tendinitis or Tendinosis:

   • Conditions involving inflammation or degeneration of tendons, such as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or Achilles tendinitis, may be treated with steroid injections.

4. Bursitis:

   • Inflamed bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints, can be treated with steroid injections. Common sites include the shoulder (subacromial bursitis) or the hip.

5. Synovitis:

   • Inflammation of the synovial membrane lining joints, often seen in conditions like synovitis associated with inflammatory arthritis.

6. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

   • Steroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms in cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition involving compression of the median nerve in the wrist.

7. Lumbar and Cervical Radiculopathy:

   • Steroid injections, particularly epidural injections, may be used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with nerve compression in the spine.

8. Plantar Fasciitis:

   • Inflammation of the plantar fascia in the foot can be treated with steroid injections to reduce pain and swelling.

It's important for individuals to discuss their symptoms and medical history with their joint care specialist, who can determine the appropriateness of steroid injections based on the specific condition. While steroid injections can provide effective short-term relief, they are not without potential risks or side effects, and their use should be carefully considered and monitored by qualified healthcare professionals.

While steroid injections can be effective in managing pain and inflammation for various conditions, they are not without potential risks and side effects. It's important to note that individual responses can vary, and not everyone will experience these side effects. Common risks and side effects associated with steroid injections include:

1. Pain or Discomfort at the Injection Site:

   • It's common to experience temporary pain or discomfort at the site where the injection is administered. This typically resolves within a day or two.

2. Temporary Flare-Up of Symptoms:

   • In some cases, there may be a temporary exacerbation of symptoms before experiencing the therapeutic effects of the steroid. This is often referred to as a "steroid flare."

3. Skin Changes:

   • Skin at the injection site may become lighter or darker, and there may be a thinning of the skin or the appearance of small blood vessels.

4. Infection:

   • There is a risk of infection at the injection site. Our joint are specialists take precautions to minimise this risk, such as using sterile techniques during the procedure.

5. Bleeding:

   • Some individuals may experience minor bleeding at the injection site, especially if they are on blood-thinning medications.

6. Allergic Reactions:

   • While rare, allergic reactions to the steroid medication or other components of the injection can occur. Symptoms may include itching, rash, or difficulty breathing.

7. Changes in Blood Sugar Levels:

   • Steroids can temporarily increase blood sugar levels, which may be a concern for individuals with diabetes.

8. Weakening of Tendons:

   • Prolonged or frequent use of steroid injections can potentially weaken tendons, increasing the risk of tendon rupture.

9. Joint Infection (Rare):

   • Injections into joints carry a small risk of introducing bacteria, leading to a joint infection.

10. Osteoporosis:

    • Prolonged use of steroids can contribute to bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially with repeated injections.

11. Facial Flushing and Mood Changes:

    • Some individuals may experience facial flushing and transient mood changes.

It's crucial for individuals to discuss their medical history, including allergies and existing health conditions, with their joint care specialist before undergoing steroid injections. Our joint care specialists will carefully weigh the potential benefits of the injections against the risks and consider alternative treatment options when appropriate. Monitoring for side effects and follow-up appointments are part of the care plan to ensure the safest and most effective use of steroid injections.

Call our administration office at 0800 086 2856 and we will be happy to reschedule your appointment.