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Joint and Soft Tissue Injection FAQs
Clear answers to the most common questions about our private musculoskeletal injection service.
1. Am I a Suitable Candidate for a Joint or Soft Tissue Injection
Not everyone is suitable for steroid or hyaluronic acid joint injections. You are not suitable if you have an active infection, broken or irritated skin near the area, uncontrolled diabetes, an allergy to the injection medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have had a steroid injection in the same area within the last three months.
Injections are also not suitable for widespread or unexplained pain, nerve symptoms without a clear mechanical cause, or joints already confirmed as severely worn or awaiting replacement.
You may be suitable if your pain comes from one specific joint or tendon and conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, exercise or simple pain relief have not helped enough.
What Joint and Soft Tissue Conditions Do Steroid or Hyaluronic Acid Injections Treat?
Our private joint injection service helps with a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
• Knee, hip and shoulder arthritis or cartilage issues
• Bursitis (e.g., shoulder, hip, knee)
• Tendon-related pain such as rotator cuff issues
• Frozen shoulder
• Plantar fasciitis
• Post-injury joint inflammation or flare-ups
These injections are designed to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and improve mobility so you can return to normal daily life, sport, or work more comfortably.
3. What Is the Process for a Private Joint Injection Appointment?
The process begins when you make contact so we can confirm basic suitability. If appropriate, we arrange a telephone assessment to discuss your symptoms, medical history and whether a joint or soft tissue injection is likely to help.
If suitable, you will then be booked for a one-hour, face-to-face clinical assessment. This includes a full musculoskeletal examination, diagnosis, and discussion of whether a steroid or hyaluronic acid injection is recommended.
If agreed, the injection is usually carried out during the same visit. You will receive clear after-care instructions and guidance.
We also provide follow-up contact at around 48 hours to check your early response, and again at 2–3 weeks to review your progress and plan any next steps.
All this for one clear price.
4. How Quickly Do Steroid or Hyaluronic Acid Injections Work and How Long Do the Effects Last?
A steroid injection can begin to work within a few days, although some people experience relief sooner.
Hyaluronic acid injections often build gradually, with improvements typically noticed over several weeks.
Relief can last anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the type of injection and condition being treated, how advanced it is, and your activity levels.
During your appointment we will explain exactly what to expect based on your condition and treatment plan.
5. Do I Need a GP Referral, Scan, or Physiotherapy Before a Private Joint Injection?
You do not need a GP referral to book a private joint or soft tissue injection.
Most patients do not require a scan before treatment. If imaging is advisable to confirm diagnosis or rule out other causes, this will be discussed during your telephone or face-to-face assessment.
Physiotherapy is helpful for many joint and tendon issues, but it is not required before attending your appointment.
6. What Are the Risks or Side Effects of Joint and Soft Tissue Injections?
Serious complications from joint or soft tissue injections are rare, but all medical treatments carry some risk.
Some people experience temporary soreness, stiffness, or a brief flare-up of pain after the injection.
Infection is extremely uncommon, and we follow strict safety, hygiene and Aseptic No Touch Technique (ANTT) procedures to minimise this risk.
Your clinician will discuss all relevant risks, benefits, and alternatives before proceeding with any treatment.