To ease inflammation within a joint, we provide three different types of joint injection: Cortisone, Ostenil, and Durolane.
Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. It is not a pain relieving medication, it only treats the inflammation. When pain is decreased from cortisone it is because the inflammation is diminished. People often have the impression that cortisone injections merely "mask the problem" but this is not the case.
By injecting the Cortisone into a particular area of inflammation, very high concentrations of the medication can be given while keeping potential side-effects to a minimum. Cortisone injections usually work within a few days, and the effects can last up to several weeks. This provides a ‘window’ in which we can start rehabilitation.
What is Cortisone?
Cortisone is a type of steroid that is produced naturally by a gland in your body called the adrenal gland. Cortisone is released from the adrenal gland when your body is under stress. Natural cortisone is released into the blood stream and is relatively short-acting.
Injectable cortisone is synthetically produced and has many different trade names (e.g. Celestone, Kenalog, etc.), but is a close derivative of your body’s own product. The most significant differences are that synthetic cortisone is not injected into the blood stream, but into a particular area of inflammation. Also, the synthetic cortisone is designed to act more potently and for a longer period of time (days instead of minutes).
Ostenil Injections
Ostenil injections allow us to supplement the synovial fluid via intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid. This provides lubrication to the joint which in turn helps to alleviate the mechanical loading and improve the shock absorbing function of the joint. in turn this can help to prevent cartilage wear.
Key uses of these injections is to provide pain relief and an improvement in joint mobility which may last for several months following a treatment cycle.
Treatment is effective for a range of complaints including sports injury’s and osteoarthritis.
What is Durolane?
Durolane is a cutting-edge medical treatment that offers numerous benefits for individuals suffering from joint pain and discomfort. It is a non-animal-based hyaluronic acid (HA) joint injection that provides viscosupplementation, a process of supplementing the natural lubricating fluid in joints. The advantages of using Durolane are:
Long-lasting relief: Durolane is formulated using a unique stabilizing technology, enabling it to provide long-lasting pain relief for individuals with joint conditions. Its high molecular weight and resilience ensure sustained lubrication and cushioning effects within the joint for up to six months, allowing for extended periods of improved joint function.
Non-surgical alternative: Durolane offers a non-surgical treatment option for joint pain management. Unlike invasive procedures, such as joint replacement surgery, Durolane can alleviate symptoms without the need for extensive recovery periods or associated surgical risks.
Improved mobility and flexibility: By replenishing the natural synovial fluid in joints, Durolane helps enhance joint mobility and flexibility.
What are the common reasons for a joint injection?
Many conditions where inflammation is an underlying problem are amenable to cortisone shots. These include, but are certainly not limited to, the following:
Shoulder Bursitis
Arthritis
Frozen Shoulder
Trigger Finger
Tennis Elbow
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Can I have it more than once?
Yes. There is no rule as to how many cortisone injections can be given. Often physicians do not want to give more than three in one area, but there is not really a specific limit to the number of injections. However, there are some practical limitations. If a cortisone injection wears off quickly or does not help the problem, then repeating it may not be worthwhile.
Studies have shown effects of weakening of tendons and softening of cartilage with cortisone injections. Repeated cortisone injections multiply these effects and increase the risk of potential problems. This is the reason many physicians limit the number of injections they offer to a patient.
How does it work?
Assessment
The physiotherapist will perform a thorough Subjective Assessment to screen for the appropriateness for a cortisone injection. They will document things such as how the injury occurred, what movements aggravate it, previous treatments tried and response, as well as any other medical conditions that you may have, that might mean a cortisone injection isn't appropriate for you.
Note: If your physio has been treating you for the injury already using traditional physiotherapy treatments then they shall have all this information to hand and will discuss/may have discussed with you their thoughts on the use of a cortisone injection.
This subjective will follow with an Objective Assessment which will look at the injury and asses joint range of movement, strength and stability of the structure in question be it a joint, tendon, ligament etc.
The physio will then give you your Report of Findings (ROF) where they will detail what the prognosis of the injury will be and the treatment and management process.
If it has been deemed suitable and you have given your written consent then the intervention will be performed by your physio and acute management post treatment will be discussed.
Injection
Permitting that we believe it is necessary for you to receive the injection, this can be done during your assessment.
Follow-up
Approximately a week after your injection we will ask you back for a review to ensure the procedure has had the desired outcome. We will also discuss next steps, any rehabilitation and further care needs.
Our Facilities
Advanced diagnostic and rehabilitation kit
Award Winning, Quality Assured Physiotherapy
All of our physiotherapists are registered members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Our combined experience includes work with leading sports clubs, from Bristol Rugby and Bristol City Football Club, to international teams such as Team GB Lacrosse and Team GB Ice Hockey.
