How Can Injections Help?
In Sports & Exercise Medicine, injections can be a valuable tool in the management of injury, pain and joint problems. However, they are rarely a stand-alone treatment. Instead, they are typically used as part of a broader treatment plan that may also include rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, activity modification, lifestyle advice, and other non-surgical treatments.
Sports and musculoskeletal injuries can occur suddenly following trauma, such as a muscle tear, ligament injury or joint injury. They can also develop gradually over time due to repetitive loading, ageing, or degenerative changes affecting tendons, joints and cartilage.
Different injection therapies work in different ways. Some aim to reduce inflammation and pain, some improve joint lubrication, some seek to stimulate the body’s natural healing response, while others can reduce abnormal muscle overactivity. The most appropriate injection depends on the diagnosis, the stage of injury, your goals, and the clinical assessment carried out by your specialist.
All injections at our clinic are performed following a comprehensive assessment and are delivered under ultrasound guidance to maximise accuracy and safety.
Corticosteroid Injection
What is it?
Corticosteroid injections (“steroid injections”) are powerful anti-inflammatory treatments used to reduce pain and inflammation in joints, bursae, tendon sheaths and other soft tissues.
How does it work?
The medication works by reducing the body’s inflammatory response, helping to settle pain, swelling and irritation within the affected tissue.
When is it used?
Common indications include:
- Arthritis flare-ups
- Bursitis
- Joint inflammation
- Frozen shoulder
- Certain tendon and tendon sheath conditions
What benefits can I expect?
- Rapid pain relief in many cases
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved movement and function
- Ability to engage more effectively with rehabilitation
Relief may last from weeks to months depending on the condition being treated.
After the procedure
- Relative rest for 48-72 hours
- Avoid heavy exercise for several days
- Gradually return to normal activity as guided by your clinician
- Continue your rehabilitation programme
Hyaluronic Acid Injection
What is it?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found within healthy joint fluid. It helps lubricate and cushion joints during movement.
How does it work?
In osteoarthritis, the quality and quantity of natural joint fluid can decline. Hyaluronic acid injections aim to supplement this fluid, improving lubrication, shock absorption and joint movement. Research also suggests it may help reduce inflammation within the joint.
When is it used?
Most commonly for:
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Other selected arthritic joints
What benefits can I expect?
- Reduced joint pain
- Improved mobility
- Improved comfort during everyday activities
- Potential reduction in stiffness
- Benefits often develop gradually over several weeks.
After the procedure
- Reduce strenuous activity for 24–48 hours
- Walking and daily activities are usually encouraged
- Continue exercise and strengthening programmes
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
What is it?
PRP is a regenerative treatment created using a small sample of your own blood. The blood is processed to concentrate platelets, which contain growth factors involved in tissue healing and repair.
How does it work?
PRP delivers a concentrated source of growth factors to the area being treated. These growth factors may help support healing, modulate inflammation and encourage tissue repair.
When is it used?
PRP may be considered for:
- Joint osteoarthritis
- Tendon injuries eg tears / tendinopathies (such as Achilles, hamstring, gluteal, patellar or tennis elbow)
- Plantar fasciitis
- Certain muscle injuries
- Ligament injuries
What benefits can I expect?
Unlike corticosteroid injections, PRP is not primarily designed to provide immediate pain relief. The goal is to support longer-term improvement in tissue health, pain and function. Improvements often occur gradually over weeks to months.
After the procedure
- Mild soreness for several days is common
- A period of relative rest is usually recommended
- Rehabilitation is a key component of successful treatment
- Anti-inflammatory medication may need to be avoided for a short period following treatment
Botox® (Botulinum Toxin)
What is it?
Botulinum toxin is a medication that temporarily reduces overactivity in muscles by blocking signals between nerves and muscles.
How does it work?
The treatment temporarily relaxes targeted muscles, reducing excessive muscle contraction and allowing more normal movement patterns to develop.
When is it used?
In Sports & Exercise Medicine, Botox may be considered for:
- Persistent muscle overactivity
- Muscle imbalance affecting movement
- Certain chronic pain conditions
- Selected neurological and rehabilitation cases
What benefits can I expect?
- Reduced muscle tightness
- Improved movement patterns
- Reduced pain
- Better participation in rehabilitation
Effects typically develop over several days and may last approximately 3–4 months.
After the procedure
- Most patients can resume normal daily activities immediately
- Stretching and rehabilitation are usually encouraged
- Follow-up assessment may be arranged to monitor response
Arthrosamid®
What is it?
Arthrosamid® is a non-biodegradable hydrogel injection designed for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. It contains 97.5% water and 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel.
How does it work?
In osteoarthritis, ongoing wear and tear within the joint can lead to irritation of the joint lining (synovium), which contributes to pain, swelling and stiffness. Arthrosamid® integrates into the synovial tissue and helps improve the environment within the knee joint. By supporting the synovium and reducing ongoing joint irritation, it helps break the cycle of inflammation, pain and reduced function that commonly occurs in osteoarthritis. Unlike corticosteroids, which provide an anti-inflammatory effect, Arthrosamid is designed to provide a longer-lasting structural and biological benefit within the joint.
When is it used?
Most commonly for:
- Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
- Patients seeking a longer-lasting non-surgical treatment option
What benefits can I expect?
Many patients report:
- Reduction in knee pain
- Improved function
- Greater walking tolerance
- Improved quality of life
Clinical studies suggest benefits may last for several years following a single injection in appropriately selected patients.
After the procedure
- Avoid strenuous activity for several days
- Walking and gentle movement are encouraged
- Gradually return to normal activities as symptoms allow
- Continue strength and exercise programmes designed to support knee health
