Guided injections to help ease pain and increase movement
What are guided injections?
Guided injections are used to help reduce pain and inflammation in joints, muscles and soft tissues, allowing improved movement and function. They are most often used as part of a wider treatment plan, helping to settle symptoms so that rehabilitation exercises and physiotherapy can be more effective.
At Vita Health Group, injections are typically considered when pain or inflammation is limiting progress with conservative management alone.
Who can benefit from injections?
Injections may be suitable for people experiencing ongoing musculoskeletal pain or inflammation that is affecting their ability to move, exercise or carry out daily activities. They are commonly used for conditions affecting joints, tendons and surrounding soft tissues, particularly where symptoms have not fully responded to physiotherapy alone.
A full clinical assessment will always be carried out to determine whether an injection is appropriate for your individual condition.
Types of injections available
Vita Health Group offers two main types of injection therapy as part of private physiotherapy services: corticosteroid injections and hyaluronic acid injections.
Corticosteroid injections
Corticosteroid injections have been widely used in musculoskeletal medicine and rheumatology since the 1940s. They are commonly delivered within the NHS and private healthcare to help manage pain and inflammation associated with a range of conditions.
Corticosteroid injections are frequently used for conditions such as osteoarthritis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and certain tendon‑related issues. The aim of the injection is to reduce inflammation (swelling) and pain, which can help restore movement and function.
The effects of a corticosteroid injection can last for at least six weeks, allowing you to return more comfortably to normal activities and engage more effectively in your rehabilitation programme with a physiotherapist.
Possible side‑effects of corticosteroid injections
As with any medical procedure, corticosteroid injections carry some risk of side‑effects. These can include temporary discomfort at the injection site, bruising, skin changes or a short‑term flare‑up of pain following the injection.
Some people may experience facial flushing, changes in mood, or a temporary rise in blood sugar levels if they have diabetes. Serious complications, such as infection or allergic reactions, are very rare. Your clinician will discuss potential risks with you in detail before proceeding with treatment.
Hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring compound found in joint fluid, where it plays a key role in lubrication and shock absorption. In certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, the natural balance of hyaluronic acid within the joint can be reduced.
Hyaluronic acid injections are designed to help restore normal joint movement and reduce pain and stiffness by improving lubrication within the joint. They are sometimes considered at regular intervals, depending on symptoms and clinical need.
A range of hyaluronic acid injection products is available, and your injecting clinician will select the most appropriate option for you based on your condition, medical history and assessment findings.
Improvements are usually gradual, developing over several weeks, with benefits that can last for several months depending on individual factors.
Possible side‑effects of hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid injections are generally well tolerated. Mild and temporary side‑effects can include soreness, swelling, bruising or a temporary increase in pain at the injection site for a few days following treatment.
As with all joint injections, the risk of infection is very low. Your clinician will explain potential side‑effects and aftercare advice before your injection.
Who delivers the injections?
All injections are administered by specialist physiotherapists who have completed additional training in injection therapy. This ensures injections are delivered safely, accurately and appropriately following a thorough assessment of your condition.
Costs and next steps
The cost of injection treatment may vary depending on the type of injection recommended and your individual clinical needs. For the most up‑to‑date pricing and to discuss whether injection therapy is suitable for you, please contact Vita Health Group directly or speak with one of our clinical team.
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