Steroid Injection, PRP and shockwave patient information

The corticosteroid is an anti-inflammatory medicine which works by reducing inflammation, which in turn can help to ease pain. Steroids are naturally found in the body and a

corticosteroid is a synthetic version of it. 

A few different steroids are available for this procedure and your consultant and/or the radiologist will decide which one they feel will help to ease your particular symptoms. Some can begin being effective almost immediately while others take longer to start working but can also have a more prolonged effect.

Your doctor will use the ultrasound machine to locate the area of interest. The doctor and the assistant will then spend a few moments drawing up the medications to be used. A quick acting local anaesthetic is sometimes used to numb the skin and to help reduce any immediate discomfort.

Please note that this will not have any effect on the inflammation and will wear off within about 2-3 hours. A soluble steroid, often mixed with local anaesthetic is then introduced into the area using a fine needle using the ultrasound probe to guide it precisely into the specific area.

Some patients do feel a little pain, but this is usually short lived for a few seconds typically. 

You do not need to do anything special before the injection. Some people find bringing someone with them helps to ease

any anxiety. It may also be advisable to arrange transport home as the local anaesthetic can cause temporary

numbness, which may affect driving/cycling.

Women who are trying to conceive or in early pregnancy should inform the doctor beforehand.

Everyone has different pain thresholds; however, some patients do feel an increased level of pain and discomfort

when the anaesthetic wears off. This can last for several days but typically by day 3-5 all the pain would have settled.

As the steroid you have had injected can take up to 5 days to

begin working you may be advised to rest the area which has

been injected for  5 days where possible. This does not necessarily mean total bed rest but for you to stop activities which make your pain worse. 

On average, the maximum effect will take between 2-6 weeks. 

Corticosteroids will only be prescribed if the potential benefits

of treatment outweigh the risks. Side effects are rare but can

include:

Infection – this usually occurs 5-7 days following the

injection - there will typically be increasing pain and redness

rather than a decrease in pain and redness.

A steroid flare - This is a sudden increase in pain from an

unpredictable reaction to an ingredient in the steroid. Do not

worry. This pain can last up to 7 days and you should take

paracetamol, ice the area and rest.

Diabetic patients may see a temporary increase in their blood sugar levels and should monitor blood glucose levels for 3  days after the injection.

Skin thinning,  discolouration and lightening after a few months can occur particularly where injections have been given close to the skin surface

Menstrual irregularities have also been reported although this is uncommon.

Some benefits may be felt immediately due to the local anaesthetic, which may have been mixed in with the steroid.

Most begin working within 24-48 hours but the benefits may not be felt for 2-6 weeks later.

This very much depends on your job and which body part you have had injected. Patients are usually advised to avoid activities that make the pain worse. 

Generally if you have a desk based job, you should be fine to return to work the next day.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that utilizes a concentrated dose of your body’s own platelets to accelerate healing in injured tissues. Platelets are small cell fragments in your blood that play a crucial role in clotting and releasing growth factors to stimulate cell repair. 

When injected into an area of injury, PRP can aid in tissue recovery by boosting the natural healing process.

This therapy is commonly used in treating sports injuries, tendon and ligament injuries, joint pain, and muscle strains. Many athletes and active individuals turn to PRP to expedite recovery and return to their sport or activities.

The entire PRP procedure at Elite Sports Professional Services is straightforward and efficient, typically taking about 20-30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how it works:

1. Blood Collection: We begin by drawing a small sample of blood (10-15 ml) from your arm, similar to a routine blood test.

2. Centrifugation: The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge machine, which spins the blood for approximately 5 minutes. This process separates the various blood components, isolating the platelet-rich plasma from other elements not essential for healing.

3. PRP Injection: Once the PRP is ready, it’s injected directly into the site of injury. Using ultrasound guidance, we ensure precise placement of the PRP for maximum benefit. This accuracy is especially important in targeting specific tendons, ligaments, or muscles that require healing.

4. Immediate Recovery: After the injection, you’ll stay in the clinic for 5-10 minutes for observation to ensure there are no immediate side effects and to address any questions you may have before heading home.

You may experience mild to moderate pain at the injection site for 48 to 72 hours following the procedure. This temporary discomfort is a natural part of the healing process, as the injected PRP works to stimulate recovery. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in the days following your injection:

• Pain and Swelling: Some increase in pain and swelling in the treated area is common. You may also feel soreness similar to what you’d experience after intense exercise.

• Rest and Recovery: Resting the treated area for the next few days is essential to allow your body to respond to the PRP effectively. Avoid intense physical activity and try not to put excess strain on the affected area.

• Pain Management: You can use simple painkillers (e.g., acetaminophen) to manage any post-injection pain. Applying ice packs to the area for 15-20 minutes at a time can also help reduce swelling. Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, for the first 10 days, as they can interfere with the body’s natural inflammatory and healing response.

The number of PRP treatments varies, as everyone’s body and recovery timeline differ. Generally:

• Number of Treatments: Most patients benefit from a series of three PRP injections.

• Spacing of Treatments: These injections are typically spaced 1-2 weeks apart but can be scheduled up to a month apart if necessary.

Your specialist will discuss the best schedule for your needs to ensure an optimal recovery.

PRP therapy is considered safe, but as with any medical procedure, there are some potential complications to be aware of. Here are the most common side effects and their likelihood:

• Increased Pain and Swelling: Pain and swelling can last for several days post-injection. This reaction is generally temporary and should subside with rest and ice.

• Infection Risk: Although very rare, there is a small risk of infection (approximately 1 in 10,000). Signs of infection may include increased pain, swelling, and redness around the injection site 3-7 days post-injection.

If you notice signs of infection or have any concerns about your recovery, don’t hesitate to contact us at Elite Sports Professional Services.

RPW Shockwave Therapy, sometimes simply called “shockwave therapy,” involves applying acoustic (sound) waves to specific areas of your body. These waves, generated by a handheld transmitter, travel outward from the point of contact, covering the entire treatment area to target underlying tissue. This targeted approach helps stimulate the body’s natural healing processes on a cellular level.

RPW therapy works by:

• Increasing blood flow and promoting the growth of new blood vessels in the treatment area.

• Reducing pain by activating the body’s pain regulation mechanisms.

• Accelerating tissue repair and providing a more supportive environment for recovery.

RPW therapy is especially effective for chronic conditions that have not responded to other treatments.

What Conditions Can RPW Shockwave Therapy Help?

RPW therapy has demonstrated positive outcomes in various musculoskeletal conditions, especially those that cause chronic pain and impact daily activities. Clinical research has shown improvement in symptoms related to the following conditions:

• Myofascial Trigger Points: These are painful, tender spots in the muscles that cause local or referred pain.

• Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the ligament that runs across the bottom of the foot, often causing heel pain.

• Chronic Tendinopathies: Conditions affecting tendons, causing pain and swelling. Examples include:

• Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow: Pain in the elbow caused by overuse or strain.

• Achilles Tendinopathy: Pain in the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel.

• Shoulder Tendinopathy and Rotator Cuff Issues: Pain and stiffness in the shoulder area due to overuse or injury.

RPW therapy may be ideal for these conditions, especially if you’ve experienced limited relief from other treatments.

Like any treatment, RPW Shockwave Therapy may have temporary side effects. These usually appear within 1-2 days of treatment and resolve within 5-10 days. Common side effects include:

• Redness or minor swelling

• Mild pain or discomfort

• Bruising

• Small red spots (petechiae)

These side effects are a normal part of the body’s response to treatment and should subside quickly. If you’re unsure about taking any pain relief medication after treatment, be sure to consult your therapist for guidance.

RPW Shockwave Therapy sessions are typically quick and well-tolerated. Many patients notice improvement after a few sessions, though the number of treatments varies based on individual needs and specific conditions. Your therapist will guide you through the process and ensure that the treatment is tailored to your unique situation, monitoring your progress at each step.

RPW therapy has helped countless patients regain mobility and reduce pain, particularly when dealing with chronic conditions that affect quality of life. While individual results can vary, many patients experience significant improvement, helping them return to daily activities and enjoy a more active lifestyle.

If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Elite Sports Professional Services. We’re here to support your journey to recovery and provide the highest level of care tailored to your needs.