Saint Health ClinicsServicesUltrasound Guided Joint Injections

Ultrasound Guided Joint Injections

We use ultrasound imaging to precisely guide the placement of a needle for injecting medication into a specific area of the body, such as a joint or tendon, to resolve your pain with the accurate application of therapeutic substances.

Outcomes include:

  • Pain relief
  • Inflammation reduction
  • Improved joint mobility

This technique allows for more accurate delivery of medication to the targeted site, improving the effectiveness of treatment and reducing the risk of complications.

What We Treat with Ultrasound Guided Injections

Plans & Pricing

Injections we Offer

Corticosteroid Injections

Directly administered into a joint to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain
  • Rapid reduction of inflammation
  • Alleviation of joint pain, stiffness and swelling
  • Improved joint function for better quality of life

Biologic Injections

Derived from living organisms they target the body's immune system.
  • Modify or regulate the immune system's response
  • Target molecules of abnormal cell growth
  • reduce inflammation and control symptoms

PRP Injections

Platelet-Rich Plasma injections use blood for healing and tissue regeneration.
  • Reduce pain and inflammation of joint
  • Stimulate tissue healing and regeneration
  • Enhance joint function and mobility

Your Questions Answered

A musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency sound waves generated by a specialized machine. These waves can penetrate the skin, offering valuable images of deep tissues within the body. This imaging technique is harmless and extremely beneficial for assessing a range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting tendons, muscles, joints, and surrounding soft tissues. Unlike X-rays, MSK ultrasound does not expose individuals to radiation or any adverse effects.

Steroids, also known as cortisone, are anti-inflammatory medications used to alleviate pain and inflammation in targeted areas of the body. They can be administered directly into joints to ease arthritis discomfort, referred to as “intra-articular steroid injections”. Additionally, they treat conditions like bursitis and tendonitis, providing symptomatic relief by reducing inflammation. While steroid injections don’t address the root cause of the condition, they effectively alleviate symptoms. Commonly used types include hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, and methylprednisolone. Typically, these injections contain a local anaesthetic for immediate pain relief lasting a few hours, with the steroid taking a few days to begin working, its effects lasting several months.

Commonly used corticosteroids for injections include triamcinolone, methylprednisolone, prednisone, dexamethasone, and betamethasone. The specific type of steroid and its formulation depend on the medical condition and the joint care specialists preferences. The type of medication used can influence the level of discomfort. Some injections contain local anaesthetics or corticosteroids to provide both immediate relief and longer-term anti-inflammatory effects.

Steroid injections are used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and certain skin disorders. They aim to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve function in affected areas.

While steroid injections can be effective, they are not without potential risks and side effects. These may include temporary pain at the injection site, skin changes, infection, bleeding, allergic reactions, and, with prolonged use, potential systemic effects such as changes in blood sugar levels or bone density.

The duration of symptom relief varies among individuals and conditions. Some may experience immediate relief from local anaesthetics included in the injection, while the anti-inflammatory effects of the steroid may take a few days to manifest. Relief can last from weeks to months, and repeat injections may be considered.

The injection procedure may cause mild discomfort, but our specialist takes steps to minimise this. A topical anaesthetic numbs the area, and a fine-gauge needle reduces tissue trauma. Using ultrasound guidance, we ensure precise needle placement and controlled medication delivery for accuracy and comfort. Patient well-being is our priority, with adjustments made as needed during the procedure.

Steroid injections can be administered in various locations on the body, depending on the specific medical condition being treated. The choice of injection site is determined by factors such as the type of condition, the affected joint or tissue, and the joint care specialist’s expertise.

  1. Intra-Articular Injections (Joints):

    These injections are administered directly into a joint space. Including:

  1. Intramuscular Injections:

    Intramuscular injections are delivered into a muscle. Including:

    • Deltoid muscle (upper arm)
    • Gluteal muscles (buttocks)
    • Quadriceps muscles (thigh)

  1. Soft Tissue Injections:

    Soft tissue injections target areas around tendons, bursae, or other soft tissue structures. Including:

    • Tendons (e.g., Achilles tendon, patellar tendon)
    • Bursae (e.g., subacromial bursa)
    • Ligaments
    • Plantar fascia (for conditions like plantar fasciitis).

Our Joint Injection Consultation includes a comprehensive assessment by our joint care specialist, who will evaluate your joint condition and discuss the most suitable injection treatment for you. We provide after care with personalised guidance and treatment plans.

Steroid injections provide symptomatic relief but do not cure underlying conditions. They are part of a comprehensive treatment plan. 

It’s important to consult your Joint Care Specialist regarding this matter, but it’s worth noting that repeated steroid injections may heighten the risk of side effects. Additionally, there’s some apprehension that frequent intra-articular steroid injections could potentially harm cartilage. As a precaution, healthcare providers typically limit steroid injections to no more than 3-4 times annually in the same area of the body.

Typically, patients are recommended to rest for 48-72 hours following a cortisone injection, although this may vary based on the treatment type and condition severity. For instance, those receiving a trochanteric bursa corticosteroid injection are often advised to rest for 48 hours, whereas individuals undergoing a more complex procedure like PRP injection into the gluteal tendons might be instructed to rest for 5-7 days.

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Patient Stories

My physical therapist is excellent! The whole office is very friendly and helpful. Physio is absolutely outstanding. Thank you very much for your great, attentive service, I will be recommending you to my friends and family.

Jennifer Neck Pain Treatment

Rob is an absolute professional. He is extremely knowledgable, and has a great person-centred approach to treatment. He sorted my overuse injury almost overnight, with a combination of manual therapy and prescribed exercises for the condition. I would definitely recommend a consultation with him. 

Dr Rob Swalwell Back Pain Treatment

Rob has been fantastic supporting me through rehab after a sporting injury. He listened to what was important to me, encouraged and checked in along the whilst being honest about what he felt we could achieve. I was really nervous after we decided I needed an injection but Rob's calm manner and reassurance made me feel as comfortable as possible. He was right - I bearly felt it! I have no hesitation in recommending Rob & would definitely see him again if needed in the future.

Dr Young Lateral Hip

I'm so happy that I was introduced to Saint Health Clinics for a joint injection by my Physiotherapist Cathy at Core Physio. I had been in pain with a frozen shoulder for months. I work in a nursery and the work is really hands on and I wasn't sleeping well. The Joint Care Specialist Rob Saint diagnosed the issue in minutes, agreeing with Cathy that a steroid injection would help me. I was treated on the same day and was pain free within 5 minutes! The consultation was very relaxed, I knew immediately that I was in safe hands. The injection wasn't even painful! Rob was so reassuring and 5 months later I am still out of pain with free mobility of my shoulder. Thank you!

Lyndsey Frozen Shoulder

I called Saint Health Clinics and spoke to the Joint Care Specialist on the same day. I'm very satisfied with the service which was prompt, courteous and effective. As promised. I had an assessment, scan and procedure within 48 hrs of my call. I am now pain free and couldn't be happier. The procedure was painless and the cost of the service was a fraction of what I would have paid at a private hospital. I have recommended my partner consult with them for an ongoing ankle problem.

David Wilson Knee Pain

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