SERVICES


Injection Therapies

  • Trigger Point Injections
  • Epidural Steroid Injections (Back Pain & Sciatica)
  • Facet Joint Injections Or Medial Branch Nerve Blocks
  • Hip, Knee & Shoulder Joint Injections

Explore Our Services

Discover our specialised services for pain relief

Trigger Point Injections

Trigger Point Injections

Epidural Steroid Injections (Back Pain & Sciatica)

Facet Joint Injections Or Medial Branch Nerve Blocks

Hip, Knee & Shoulder Joint Injections

01

Trigger Point Injections

Chronic muscle or myofascial pain due to injury or poor posture can be annoying and lead to persistent pain and stiffness.


Trigger point injections with local anaesthetics or Botulinum toxin are effective in breaking the pain cycle and restoring muscle function.

Coupled with the right stretching and strengthening exercises, myofascial pain can be treated.

Targeted Relief for Muscle Pain

Trigger point injections are suitable for muscle pain affecting the neck, shoulders, back and limbs.

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Epidural Steroid Injections
(Back Pain & Sciatica)

Epidural steroid injections and nerve root blocks are advanced pain management techniques offered at The Pain Clinic. These treatments aim to alleviate chronic pain and inflammation, targeting specific areas of concern.

With our expertise and comprehensive approach, we can help you find relief from conditions such as:

  • Herniated discs (slipped discs)
  • Sciatica (shooting pain or numbness in the arms or legs)
  • Discogenic pain (neck or low back pain)

Understanding Epidural Steroid Injections

Benefiting from Epidural Steroid Injections

Personalised Treatment for Herniated Discs


Understanding Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injection is a well-established non-surgical approach to managing low back pain and leg pain. They have been utilised since 1952 and remain an integral part of pain management for such ailments.

By delivering targeted medication to the affected area, these injections provide pain relief, either on their own or in conjunction with a comprehensive rehabilitation programme.

Benefiting from Epidural Steroid Injections

If you are experiencing herniated discs, sciatica, or discogenic pain, epidural steroid injections could be a suitable option for you. These injections help reduce pain and inflammation, providing relief and improving your quality of life.

By targeting the specific source of your pain, we can develop a tailored treatment plan to address your unique needs.

Personalised Treatment for Herniated Discs

Herniated discs, often referred to as slipped discs, can cause severe pain and discomfort. Our pain specialists understand the challenges associated with this condition and offer epidural steroid injections as a potential solution. These injections target the inflamed area, reducing pain and facilitating the healing process.

We will work closely with you to create a personalised treatment plan that focuses on your long-term well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About Epidural Steroid Injections

What is an Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI)?

An epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure in which a mixture of steroid medication and a local anaesthetic is injected into the epidural space of the spine. The epidural space is the area around the spinal cord and nerve roots. Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with various spinal conditions.

How does an Epidural Steroid Injection work to relieve pain?

Epidural steroid injections work by delivering a potent anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space. The steroid then inhibits the release of pain-inducing chemicals from degenerated or herniated discs, limits the production of inflammatory pain mediators, and decreases spontaneous nerve pain signals. Through this, the medication helps to reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation of the spinal nerves, providing relief from pain.

What Conditions are Typically Treated with Epidural Steroid Injections?

Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat a range of back pain conditions. These conditions include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and radiculopathy. Epidural steroid injections can effectively target the source of pain in these conditions, providing temporary but significant pain relief for patients. However, it's important to note that the specific treatment plan and suitability for an epidural steroid injection should be determined through a comprehensive evaluation and consultation with a healthcare professional.

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Facet Joint Injections Or
Medial Branch Nerve Blocks

Chronic neck or low back pain can result from the tiny joints in the spine called the facet joints. This condition is called facet joint syndrome and is very common in patients with cervical or lumbar spondylosis.

Steroids and local anaesthetics can be injected into these joints to reduce pain and inflammation.

  • Suitable for:
  • Neck pain (cervical facet syndrome)
  • Low back pain (lumbar facet syndrome)

04

Hip, Knee & Shoulder
Joint Injections

Joint pain can be debilitating, restricting your mobility and affecting your quality of life. Whether it’s caused by an injury or a chronic condition like arthritis, effective treatment is necessary to relieve pain and restore function.

One common treatment approach involves joint injections. These are particularly beneficial for treating pain in the hip, knee, and shoulder joints.

Understanding Joint Pain

Joints are points where two or more bones meet, and they are designed to provide flexibility, support, and range of motion to the body. When joints become damaged or diseased, pain, inflammation, and stiffness can ensue, leading to reduced mobility and quality of life.

Joint pain can result from a variety of conditions. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, is one of the most common causes. Other possible causes include injuries, such as sprains and strains, bursitis, tendinitis, and gout. Chronic conditions like fibromyalgia can also lead to joint pain.

What are Joint Injections?

Joint injections are a common treatment for joint pain, particularly for the shoulders, hips, and knees. They involve injecting medication directly into the joint capsule to alleviate pain and inflammation. Joint injections can provide both therapeutic and diagnostic benefits. Therapeutically, they deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medications directly to the joint, which can provide substantial relief from pain. Diagnostically, if a joint injection leads to pain relief, it confirms that the joint is the source of the pain.

Types of Joint Injections

There are several types of joint injections that can be used to treat hip, knee, and shoulder pain:

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections, also known as corticosteroid injections, are a type of anti-inflammatory medication. They are typically injected along with a local anaesthetic into the joint. Steroid injections can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for several weeks to months.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid can help lubricate and cushion joints, particularly beneficial for individuals with arthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the joint fluid that helps cushion the joint. With osteoarthritis, the quality of hyaluronic acid in the joint can degrade. Injecting it into the joint can help improve joint lubrication, reduce pain, and improve mobility.

Are You a Candidate for Joint Injections?

Joint injections can be an effective way of managing joint pain, but they aren’t suitable for everyone. Ideal candidates for joint injections are individuals who have not responded to more conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. These injections are particularly beneficial for those experiencing shoulder, hip, and knee pain.

However, it’s important to note that while joint injections can provide substantial relief from pain, they aren’t a cure for the underlying condition causing the pain. They are a part of a broader treatment plan that may also include physical therapy, exercise, and self-care strategies.

Joint Injection for Knee , Hip , Shoulder Pain

  • Knee Pain
  • Causes: Arthritis, sports injuries, wear and tear
  • Symptoms: Swelling, stiffness, reduced mobility
  • Diagnosing: Physical examination, X-ray, MRI
  • Type of Medication Used: Steroid, local anaesthetic, hyaluronic acid injections
  • Hip Pain
  • Causes: Arthritis, trauma, degeneration, bursitis
  • Symptoms: Pain during movement, stiffness, difficulty walking
  • Diagnosing: X-ray, MRI, CT scan
  • Type of Medication Used: Steroid, local anaesthetic, hyaluronic acid injections
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Causes: Rotator cuff tears, arthritis, tendinitis
  • Symptoms: Reduced range of motion, pain at rest, night pain
  • Diagnosing: Physical exam, ultrasound, MRI
  • Type of Medication Used: Steroid, local anaesthetic, hyaluronic acid injections

What Happens During a Joint Injection for Pain Relief?

Understanding what to expect during a joint injection can help alleviate any concerns you may have about the procedure. Whether you’re getting a hip, knee or shoulder joint injection, the process generally follows a similar set of steps to ensure both effectiveness and safety. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what usually happens:

  • Pre-Procedure Preparation: To ensure a smooth and less painful joint injection process, you are first positioned comfortably on the examination table. The targeted area around the joint is then thoroughly cleaned to minimise the risk of infection. A local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area, thereby making the procedure as comfortable as possible for you.
  • Injection: A fine needle is meticulously inserted into the joint capsule for the injection. Medication, which could include steroids, hyaluronic acid, or local anaesthetics, is then injected directly into the joint.
  • Immediate Assessment: Following the injection, an immediate evaluation is conducted by your doctor to assess your initial response, as some individuals may experience instant relief from pain.
  • Post-Injection Care: Area may be iced to minimise swelling. You are observed for a short period for any immediate side effects or complications. It’s important to note that some people might not experience instant relief, as the effectiveness of the injection can vary from person to person. Based on the initial response to the treatment, further evaluation or subsequent treatments may be scheduled.

Are there any risks to joint injections?

  • Infection: Risk of infection at the injection site.
  • Bleeding or Bruising: Especially a concern for patients on blood-thinners.
  • Allergic Reaction: To the medication used, although rare.
  • Increased Pain: Flare-up of joint pain following the injection, which is usually temporary
  • Nerve Damage: Though extremely rare, it is a potential risk.
  • Adverse Effects on Skin and Soft Tissue: Such as thinning or lightening of the skin

Note that while joint injections, including hip, knee, and shoulder joint injection, are generally considered safe, it’s crucial to consult your pain medicine physician for a full understanding of the potential risks based on your medical history.

Hip, Knee, and Shoulder Joint Injection Aftercare

  • Immediate Rest: Avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
  • Ice the Area: To reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
  • Monitor for Symptoms: Such as redness, increased swelling, or increased pain.
  • Pain Medication: Over-the-counter medication may be recommended.
  • Follow-up Appointment: Scheduled to assess the effectiveness and plan next steps.
  • Physical Therapy: May be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Aftercare varies depending on the type of joint injection received and your overall health. Always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure optimal recovery and effectiveness of the treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About Joint Injections

What are joint injections?

Joint injection is a medical procedure where medication is injected directly into a joint to alleviate pain and inflammation. They are often used for conditions affecting major joints such as the hip, knee, and shoulder. The injected medication usually includes a corticosteroid, which is an anti-inflammatory drug, and a local anaesthetic to numb the joint.

What conditions are typically treated with joint injections?

Joint injections are typically used to treat a range of conditions that cause joint pain and inflammation. These include various forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and gout. Joint injections are particularly effective in treating pain in the shoulder, hip, and knee joints. They may also be used when other treatment methods, such as medication or physical therapy, have not provided sufficient relief.

Is a joint injection painful?

The level of discomfort during a joint injection can vary from person to person. However, it’s usually minimal. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area around the joint before the injection, which helps reduce any pain. The needle used for the injection is also very fine to cause as little discomfort as possible. Some patients may experience a feeling of pressure or slight stinging during the injection, but this is usually temporary. After the procedure, there might be some soreness in the joint for a few hours, but this typically subsides as the medication begins to take effect.

Insurance and Health
Network Coverage

We work with various insurance partners to assist with your hospitalisation and surgery claims. In some instances, pre-approval from your insurer allows direct billing between the hospital and insurer so that you will have peace of mind during your treatment. We are MOH-accredited so you may also utilise Medisave for your hospitalisation expenses.

The Pain Clinic