Good things come to those who wait...
Good things come to those who wait...
Formula Health offers an injection therapy service provided by highly trained and specialist physiotherapists. They are dual trained both as registered physiotherapists and have additional qualifications in the clinical use of Steroid and Ostenil (Hyaluronic acid) injections.
We offer both Corticosteroid and Ostenil injections, which are suitable for a range of conditions. Your physiotherapist will assess you and advise you of the most appropriate treatment for you and your condition.
Ultrasound is a medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate the body’s tissues using a portable probe. The returned waves are then calculated to generate an image of the body’s anatomy. Ultrasound is frequently utilised in diagnostic procedures to help with proper assessment prior to injection. When administering an injection, ultrasonic waves bounce back from the needle as it travels through the body’s tissues, providing for clear sight of the needle tip and, as a result, accurate injection guidance to the target region. Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid can all be injected using ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound guidance also enables a variety of highly specialised procedures such as joint aspiration (draining fluid from a swollen joint), image guided high volume injections (tendon stripping) and barbotage (aspiration of calcium deposits from within a joint) to be performed.
When compared to injections performed without Ultrasound guidance, a large body of research shows that Ultrasound guided injections provide superior pain relief, have longer lasting effects, and improve functionality (blind or surface marked injections). There is also evidence that it minimises the chance of needle trauma or misplacing the injectable substance, therefore enhancing injection safety while lowering the risks of adverse events associated with injection therapy.
Steroid injections are used to treat swollen or painful tissue and joints such as occur in arthritis and tendinitis. By helping to control inflammation and pain they make movement easier and enables a return to more normal function. There is extensive research showing that steroid injections provide improved and longer lasting pain control than standard oral medication.
Corticosteroids are well tolerated by the body and do not cause the typical side effects commonly associated with taking oral steroids or anabolic steroids.
Steroid injections can be helpful in the treatment of arthritic joints such as the knee. It is also effective for:
Ostenil Plus is a solution containing hyaluronic acid which is the key component of synovial fluid which is the substance found in our joints that naturally protects the joint surfaces where the bones meet. It has been developed specifically for the treatment of osteoarthritis and helps to decrease pain and stiffness and improve the other symptoms commonly associated with osteoarthritis. It is administered as a single injection by a qualified clinician using aseptic techniques.
Ostenil Plus can be used in any synovial joint (see information on osteoarthritis and synovial joints below). Most typically the knee, hip or shoulder joints but it is also suitable for the ankle, elbow and some of the smaller joints.
CINGAL injections are becoming an increasingly popular treatment for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis and other joint issues that impact cartilage health. At Formula Health, we understand the importance of exploring non-surgical options that can provide significant relief and improve the quality of life for our patients. This article aims to demystify Cingal injections, detailing what patients can expect in terms of procedure, recovery, and outcomes.
The procedure involves a single injection into the affected joint, where Cingal works to restore the natural balance of hyaluronic acid, improving joint lubrication and reducing friction. The corticosteroid component quickly reduces inflammation, offering rapid pain relief.
Cingal is a cutting-edge treatment that combines hyaluronic acid with a corticosteroid to address joint pain and inflammation directly. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body that lubricates and cushions the joints, while corticosteroids provide fast-acting relief from swelling and discomfort. This dual-action formula is designed to offer both immediate and sustained relief from joint pain.
Cingal is particularly suited for patients with knee osteoarthritis looking for relief from joint pain and inflammation. It may also be beneficial for those with other joint issues where lubrication and inflammation are contributing factors to their discomfort.
Arthrosamid® is a new type of treatment for knee osteoarthritis that offers you an effective alternative to the currently available therapies like steroid injections or knee replacement surgery. Based on an innovative non-biodegradable hydrogel technology, Arthrosamid® is 97.5% water, with 2.5% being a cross-linked polyacrylamide backbone. When injected into the knee Arthrosamid® cushions the joint and reduces pain, providing safe and sustained pain relief, all with one injection.
Patients with mild, moderate, and more severe arthritis in their knees respond well to treatment.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that causes pain and stiffness in the joints. It is the most common type of arthritis in the UK. Joints are exposed to a constant low level of damage in everyday life and usually the body simply repairs itself. With osteoarthritis however the protective cartilage that protects the end of the bone breaks down faster than they are repaired, causing pain, swelling and stiffness when moving a joint.
The exact causes are not known but several factors are thought to increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis, including:
Almost any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis but the condition most often causes problems in the hips and knees and in the small joints of the wrist and hand.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition for which there is currently no cure. However there are several simple methods of slowing down the progress and helping to control and even improve the condition.
In the early stages of the condition regular low impact exercise such as walking weight control, suitable footwear and specialised braces to support and protect the joint can be helpful.
Ostenil is one of the medications available to help control the symptoms of osteoarthritis. In addition to physiotherapy it can improve pain, swelling and improve range of motion at the joint so enabling the individual to remain more active and maintain muscle strength.
If you think you may have osteoarthritis we would advise you consult a specialist physiotherapist who can advise you on the best course of treatment for you.
A synovial joint is one that allows for movement such as the shoulder, hip and knee. Where the bones meet the surface is covered with a layer of cartilage and a thin layer of synovial fluid that separates and lubricates the two surfaces of the joint protecting the cartilage form wear and tear. The most important component of synovial fluid is hyaluronic acid.
In healthy joint there is a balance between the breakdown of the hyaluronic acid and the production of new. In osteoarthritis the breakdown exceeds production, which leads to a lack of hyaluronic acid. When this occurs the synovial fluid stops functioning effectively so causing the cartilage and bone to wear down more. This results in the symptoms of pain, swelling and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.
Patients may experience mild soreness or swelling at the injection site, which typically subsides within a few days. It’s generally advised to rest the joint and avoid strenuous activities for 24-48 hours post-injection to allow the treatment to settle.
Most individuals can resume their daily activities shortly after the procedure, with no significant downtime required. Any discomfort from the injection itself is usually minimal and manageable.
The corticosteroid component of Cingal provides relief from pain and inflammation often within a few days of the injection. The hyaluronic acid’s lubricating effects build over time, with many patients reporting gradual improvements in joint movement and comfort over the following weeks.
While Cingal injections are generally safe and well-tolerated, as with any injection, there’s a small risk of side effects such as:
These symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own. Serious side effects are rare but should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
