Injections for Joint & Soft Tissue Pain

These injections are a safe and effective treatment for joint pain, inflammation, and soft tissue injuries. These injections help reduce pain and swelling in conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis.

By delivering powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, steroid injections provide quick pain relief and improved mobility, helping you get back to daily activities with less discomfort

Before your injection, your clinician will complete a thorough assessment to confirm that the procedure is appropriate for you. They will discuss your symptoms, medical history, current medication and any allergies, before explaining the potential benefits, risks and alternative treatment options. You will have the opportunity to ask questions before giving your consent.

The skin around the injection site will be cleaned using an antiseptic solution. A fine needle will then be carefully positioned into the affected joint or soft tissue, and the medication will be administered. Depending on the type of injection, this may include a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, sometimes combined with a local anaesthetic.

The injection itself usually takes only a few minutes. You may feel a brief scratch, pressure or mild discomfort, but most people tolerate the procedure well. A small plaster will be placed over the injection site afterwards.

You will normally be able to go home shortly after the procedure. The area may feel temporarily numb if a local anaesthetic has been used, and some people experience a short-term increase in discomfort during the first 24–48 hours. This usually settles naturally.

Your clinician will provide personalised aftercare advice, which may include resting the treated area and avoiding strenuous or repetitive activity for a short period. The steroid does not always work immediately and may take several days to begin reducing pain and inflammation. The level and duration of improvement varies between individuals.

An injection is often most effective when used alongside an appropriate rehabilitation programme. Where suitable, we will advise you on exercises, activity modification and any further physiotherapy needed to support your recovery.

Ultrasound-guided injections use real-time imaging to help the clinician identify the exact joint or soft tissue structure being treated and guide the needle accurately into the targeted area.

This approach can be particularly useful for smaller, deeper or more complex structures, or where greater precision is needed. It may be used to treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting joints, tendons, bursae and other soft tissues.

Depending on your condition, the injection may include a corticosteroid to help reduce pain and inflammation, sometimes alongside a local anaesthetic. The most appropriate treatment will be discussed with you following a full assessment.

Ultrasound guidance also allows the clinician to assess the surrounding tissues during the appointment, helping to ensure that the injection is directed to the most appropriate area.

Injections are usually recommended as part of a wider treatment plan rather than as a standalone solution. Combining the injection with physiotherapy, exercise rehabilitation and activity advice can help support longer-term recovery and improve function.