Opening times:
Mon to Fri: 08.00 to 19.00
Sat: 08.00 to 16.00
Mon to Fri: 08.00 to 19.00
Sat: 08.00 to 16.00
Call:
07818099994
Email:
enquiry@physipro.co.uk
Description of Injection Therapy
We offer the following injections:
1. Steroid (Cortisone) injection
2. Ostenil (hyaluronic acid) Injection
- Steroid (Cortisone) injection
Cortisone is a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands during stress. Injectable
cortisone is a synthetic version that closely resembles the body’s own hormone. It reduces
inflammation, which in turn helps relieve pain.
Cortisone injections have been safely used by orthopaedic specialists since the early 1950s to
treat conditions such as tendonitis, arthritis, tennis elbow, Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis,
and carpal tunnel syndrome. They are legal and distinct from anabolic steroids used illicitly
in sport.
- How does cortisone work?
Cortisone is not a direct painkiller; it works by reducing the body’s inflammatory response,
which in turn helps ease pain. When injected directly into an affected area such as a knee or
shoulder, it delivers a concentrated dose with relatively few side effects.
Symptom relief usually begins within a few days, although full effect may take 3–4 weeks.
Benefits can be temporary or long-lasting, and injections are most effective when combined
with appropriate rest and rehabilitation.
Who is not suitable for a cortisone injection?
Cortisone injections have few contraindications; however, this clinic does not administer them in the following cases:
- Joint infection
- Skin infection at the injection site
- Previous allergic reaction to cortisone injections
- Joints with prosthetic replacements (e.g. total knee, hip, or shoulder)
- Pregnancy
- Current antibiotic use (unless long-term) or recent flu vaccination within the past 2 weeks
Precaution: Patients taking blood-thinning medication (e.g. warfarin or heparin) may still be eligible if their INR is stable
Side effects of cortisone injections
As with any injection, side effects can occur, although they are generally uncommon.
- Bruising, bleeding, or allergic reaction at the injection site
- Post-injection flare (around 2% of patients), where temporary crystallisation of cortisone causes increased pain for 12–48 hours; this usually settles with ice and pain relief
- Skin colour changes (whitening), particularly in darker skin tones; this is harmless and often improves over time
- Temporary rise in blood sugar levels in diabetic patients; monitoring is advised for 24–48 hours after injection
- Infection at the injection site (rare), minimised through strict sterile technique and avoiding injections in those with active infection or recent live vaccinations
Precaution: Patients taking blood-thinning medication (e.g. warfarin or heparin) may still be eligible if their INR is stable
Ostenil (hyaluronic acid) Injection
Ostenil is a hyaluronic acid-based injection used to treat osteoarthritis in knee,
shoulder, ankle, elbow and small joints of the hand and feet. It is administered into the
synovial joint to help reduce pain and stiffness and improve joint function.
How does Ostenil work?
Ostenil contains hyaluronic acid, a natural component of joint fluid that helps lubricate and
cushion the joint. When injected into the joint space, it helps restore the balance of hyaluronic
acid, improving lubrication and reducing the effects of wear and tear associated with
osteoarthritis.
There are very few contraindications to Ostenil injections; however, in our clinic we do not treat patients in the following situations:
- Joint infection
- Skin infection at the injection site
- Previous allergic reaction to Ostenil
- Joints with prosthetic replacements (e.g. total knee, hip, or shoulder)
- Pregnancy
- Current antibiotic use (unless long-term)
Side effects of Ostenil injections
As with any injection procedure, side effects can occasionally occur, although they are uncommon.
- Bruising, bleeding, or allergic reaction at the injection site or to the product
- Infection at the injection site (rare), which is minimised through proper sterile technique and by avoiding injection in patients with active infection or those on antibiotics for an acute infection.
If you have any concerns, your clinician will be happy to discuss these with you in more detail
Get in touch with us
Opening Times
Mon to Fri: 08.00 to 19.00
Sat: 08.00 to 16.00
Our Services
Physiotherapy Services
How to start physiotherapy for beginners?
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between cortisone and Ostenil?
Cortisone (£250) reduces inflammation for conditions like tendonitis and tennis elbow; Ostenil (£350) is a hyaluronic acid injection that lubricates osteoarthritic joints
How quickly does a cortisone injection work?
Relief usually starts within days, with full effect in 3–4 weeks — best combined with rest and rehabilitation
Who can’t have an injection?
Anyone with a joint or skin infection, a prosthetic joint, a previous allergic reaction, or who is pregnant. We check suitability beforehand.