Frequently asked questions

No. Oxford Injection Clinic is a self-referral service — you can book directly online or by phone. If you have prior imaging or reports, bring them to the consultation.

Most patients are offered an appointment within 3–7 days. Urgent cases are prioritised where possible.

First consultations are 45 minutes and include a clinical assessment, diagnostic ultrasound and treatment plan. Injection appointments are typically 30 minutes.

Yes for follow-ups and second opinions. Initial assessments requiring ultrasound need to be in person.

Most patients describe it as a brief pinch or pressure. Local anaesthetic is used and the needle is guided in real-time, minimising discomfort.

Yes for most upper-limb injections. For lower-limb and hip injections we advise arranging a lift for the first 24 hours in case of leg heaviness from local anaesthetic.

Steroid injections: 2–5 days. Hyaluronic acid: 2–6 weeks. PRP: 4–8 weeks. Hydrodilatation: often within days.

Typically no more than 3 steroid injections into the same site per year. Regenerative options (PRP, HA, Arthrosamid) do not carry this restriction.

Serious side effects are rare with ultrasound guidance. Temporary post-injection soreness, mild skin flushing and (with steroids) a small chance of a short blood-sugar rise in diabetics are the most common.

For rotator cuff, tendons and superficial soft-tissue pathology, ultrasound has accuracy equivalent to MRI when performed by an experienced clinician.

Often no — ultrasound answers the clinical question at the same visit. MRI is added when a deeper structure (labrum, bone marrow, spine) needs assessment.

Ultrasound identifies effusion, synovitis, osteophytes and cartilage changes. It complements X-ray for staging early osteoarthritis.

Yes — no radiation, no contrast, safe in pregnancy and with implants.

Depends on the treatment and diagnosis. Simple steroid injections need 48–72 hours relative rest. PRP and hydrodilatation follow a structured 2–6 week rehab plan.

Light walking is fine immediately. Avoid heavy loading of the injected structure for 48–72 hours (steroid) or 2 weeks (PRP).

Almost always yes. Injections calm pain; physiotherapy addresses the mechanical cause and prevents recurrence.

If pain has persisted beyond 6 weeks, is disturbing sleep, is limiting work or sport, or has not responded to first-line care.

Unexplained weight loss, fever, night pain unrelieved by rest, progressive neurological symptoms (weakness, numbness, bladder or bowel change). These warrant urgent medical review.