Physiotherapy - Joint and soft tissue injection - Physio (Salford)

Injecting joints and soft tissues with corticosteroid can help reduce your pain so that you can start your rehabilitation sooner and return to normal activities.

What will I be injected with?

Your injection will usually include one or both of the following ingredients:

• Local anaesthetic
• Corticosteroid (steroid)

Your clinician will discuss this with you.

What is local anaesthetic?

Anaesthetic may give you some immediate pain relief in the area it is injected and will last a few hours (similar to that used by a dentist).

What is corticosteroid?

Corticosteroid is a medicine that can relieve swelling, stiffness and pain by reducing inflammation.

How is the injection done?

• The skin where the injection is to take place is marked and cleaned with an antiseptic swab
• A needle is gently inserted
• The anaesthetic and corticosteroid are injected through the needle

Is the injection painful?

Not particularly, as your clinician has had special training in the technique. It may be sore or tender afterwards for a day or so.

How quickly does the injection work?

The pain may reduce within a few minutes due to the local anaesthetic, though it may return after an hour or so as its effect wears off. The steroid will usually start to work within a few days.

How long do the effects last?

This can vary from person to person and the condition being treated. Patients often tell us that the overall effects can last for several months.

How many injections can I have?

This will depend on the part of your body being treated; your clinician will discuss this with you.

Usually one injection is enough, but if the pain is severe or has been there for a long time then you may need more.

What should I do after the procedure?

Following your injection, your clinician might advise you to rest or gently exercise the affected area. This will be dependent on your condition.

Are there times when I should not have an injection?

Yes. You should not have a steroid injection if you:

• Have any infection on your skin over the injection site or elsewhere in your body
• Are allergic to local anaesthetic or steroids
• Feel unwell
• Are due to have surgery
• Are pregnant (or think you might be)
• Are under 18 years old
• Have uncontrolled diabetes
• Have unstable anticoagulation

Are there any side-effects?

The steroids we use are very safe and whilst side effects are rare, they may include:

• Flushing of the face for a few hours
• Small area of fat loss or a change in colour of the skin around the injection site
• Diabetic patients may notice a temporary increase in blood glucose levels
• Patients taking anticoagulant or blood-thinning medication may notice some temporary bruising
• Some women may experience vaginal bleeding or an altered menstrual cycle
• Allergic reaction. You may be asked to wait in the clinic for a short time after the injection to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction to the drug
• Infection. Whilst every precaution is taken to prevent infection, if the area becomes hot, swollen and painful for more than
• 24 hours you should contact your GP, Walk-in Centre or A&E Department
• Possible immune suppression. There is a possibility that a steroid injection may affect your body’s ability to fight infection. If this is the case it may only be for a few days but could be for up to 2 to 4 weeks

Will I have to be seen again?

After your injection, you will be discharged back to the care of your General Pactitioner.

If you continue to experience symptoms or a deterioration of your condition, please contact your General Practitioner in the first instance.

Contacts

For further information or to speak to a member of the team, please contact 0161 206 2502 (MSK CATS) or email  msksecretary@nca.nhs.uk