Image guidedTarget visualisedShared decisionOptions and alternativesPlanned careConsent and aftercare
About the service
Ultrasound guidance allows the target to be visualised during an injection and supports accurate placement.
Before any procedure, we establish whether an injection is likely to add value within your wider plan. That includes confirming the diagnosis and target, reviewing your medical history and relevant imaging, discussing alternatives and agreeing what happens after the injection.
The procedure is planned around a confirmed diagnosis and clearly defined anatomical target.
Relevant medicines, health conditions, risks, alternatives and aftercare are reviewed before consent.
Ultrasound guidance supports visualisation of the target and needle position; it does not remove all procedural risk.
Common reasons to book
Joint and bursal painKnee osteoarthritisFrozen shoulderClinician referrals
Explore the options
Different tools. Different decisions.
These procedures serve different purposes. Select an option to understand what it is, where it may fit and the questions we consider before recommending it.
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Corticosteroid injection
A targeted option for selected inflammatory presentations.
Corticosteroid can reduce pain and inflammation in selected joints, bursae and tendon sheaths. Any benefit is usually temporary, so the purpose of the injection and what you will do with that window should be clear before proceeding.
Used only when the diagnosis and target are clear
Potential benefits, side effects and repeat-injection considerations are discussed
Rehabilitation or activity planning remains part of the wider decision
Steroid is not a structural cure and is not appropriate for every painful condition.
Interactive knee guide
Not sure which knee injection to explore?
Answer eight short questions about your knee, previous care and goals to prepare for a better assessment.
Options include corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, KioMedine® CM-chitosan and shoulder hydrodistension. Hydrogel injections for knee osteoarthritis have their own dedicated assessment pathway and page.
Are all hyaluronic acid injections the same?
No. Products differ in molecular weight, concentration, cross-linking and dosing schedule. Research involving one preparation cannot automatically be transferred to every other preparation, so we discuss the evidence for the specific product being considered.
Why might hyaluronic acid be discussed when NICE does not recommend it routinely?
NICE provides a population-level recommendation for osteoarthritis care. It is an important part of the discussion, but research findings are not uniform and some analyses report different results for different formulations. We do not present hyaluronic acid as routine, curative or guaranteed; it may be considered after assessment when the product-specific evidence, alternatives, uncertainty and cost have been clearly discussed.
Can I book an injection without an assessment?
An assessment is required to confirm the diagnosis and whether an injection is appropriate.
Does ultrasound guidance remove all risk?
No procedure is risk-free. Guidance supports accurate placement, while risks and precautions are discussed during consent.
How do we decide which option is appropriate?
We consider the diagnosis, affected structure, symptoms, previous treatment, medical history, current evidence, alternatives and your goals. Assessment may also show that an injection is not the best next step.
Do I need a scan before booking?
Not everyone needs new imaging. Bring any relevant reports or images you already have; after assessment we will explain whether ultrasound, X-ray, MRI or no further imaging is appropriate.
Which medicines or health conditions should I tell you about?
Tell us about all medicines, allergies and medical conditions, particularly blood-thinning medication, diabetes, immune suppression, current infection, antibiotics or recent vaccination. Do not stop prescribed medication unless the prescribing clinician tells you to.
Can an injection be performed at the assessment?
Sometimes, when the diagnosis is clear, it is safe to proceed and the correct product is available. More complex decisions or procedures may need a separate appointment.
What should I expect afterwards?
You will receive procedure-specific aftercare, including activity guidance and symptoms to monitor. Advice varies by injection and body area, so follow the instructions given to you rather than a generic timetable.
Are the results guaranteed?
No. Response and duration of benefit vary. We explain the likely benefit, uncertainty, alternatives and role of rehabilitation before you decide.
When should I seek help after an injection?
Contact the clinic promptly if symptoms are unexpectedly worsening. Increasing redness, heat, swelling, fever or feeling unwell after an injection requires urgent medical assessment.
What next?
Choose the route that fits.
A Service can be booked on its own. A Journey links assessment, rehabilitation and measured reviews when you need more connected support.
