At Tayloredfit Physio, Mark, one of our lead physiotherapists, specialises in injection therapy and has taken extensive, additional training to make sure he is safe, effective and an expert in this field. Many clients do not realise this is a service we offer so we thought it was worthwhile letting you know more.
Why kind of injections do you offer?
We currently offer corticosteroid injections and Ostenil® injections for private clients.
How do I know which injection I need?
Steroid injections are a quick and effective treatment for joint pains, inflammation, and some soft tissue conditions such as tendinopathy. They work by reducing inflammation. Ostenil® Plus is a treatment for the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It can be used in the knee, or in any of the other joints in the body that are classified as ‘synovial’. If you are not sure which injection would be most suitable, book an appointment to see Mark and he will assess and guide you through the process.
Indications for Steroid Injections
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
The injection, once administered, help to reduce inflammation, joint swelling and pain, improving mobility and function of the joint.
What is injected ?
With the steroid injection, a small volume of steroid is injected to the joint or around the soft tissue to help relieve pain and inflammation. Local anaesthetic can also be used if required. Ostenil® is a solution containing hyaluronic acid. It is injected into the space in the joint that contains synovial fluid and works by restoring the normal balance between the breakdown and production of hyaluronic acid. This effect of Ostenil® means that it can decrease pain, stiffness and improve the other symptoms of osteoarthritis. The hyaluronic acid in Ostenil® is very pure and is manufactured using a process called fermentation. It contains no animal proteins, which means it is very unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. The addition of Mannitol (a simple sugar derivative) to Ostenil® allows the Hyaluronic Acid to work for longer and more efficiently in the joint, enabling effective symptom reduction with a single injection. Ostenil® has been extensively tested, and has not been found to cause any serious side effects.
What should I expect?
Steroid injections take 2-3 days to a week to take effect. Relative rest is advised post injection, nothing too vigorous to allow the steroid to be most effective in relieving pain and inflammation.
Local anaesthetic is faster acting and can help reduce pain in a few minutes, but only lasts approximately 1 hour.
You may not notice any benefit immediately after your Ostenil injection, but will gradually experience a reduction in pain and stiffness. The improvement in your symptoms is likely to persist for several months, depending on the progression of the degenerative change in the joint being treated.
When effects of your Ostenil® Plus injection begin to wear off, you can safely choose to have another injection if your clinician agrees it is appropriate. Thereafter, you can continue with Ostenil® Plus therapy whenever necessary.
We also offer Ostenil® Mini which is suitable for small joints in the hands and feet. It can relieve pain and improve join mobility in the treatment of thumb and large toe osteoarthritis.
Are there any side effects?
Most injections undertaken are without side effects. There may be some discomfort and pressure from the injection, but this is normal.
Post injection flare is a possible side effect, normally within the first 24 hours . It may last a few days, regular over the counter medication such as paracetamol may help.
There is also the risk of infection at the site of the injection however this is very rare.
For a steroid injection, an injection assessment appointment is required prior to your injection appointment so that the clinician can assess to make sure an injection is appropriate.
A clinical Specialist will complete a thorough assessment to see if an injection is appropriate and indicated to help relieve your symptoms. Appropriate advice will be provided for you to make an informed decision.
Any questions? Find out more information on our website here or contact us for further information or get yourself booked in!
Tayloredfit Physio Ltd, based in Langley Park, on the outskirts of Durham. For all your physio, health and wellness needs.