Injection Therapy
Injection Therapy
for Pain Relief
Therapeutic injections are a targeted approach to managing acute and chronic pain. By delivering medication directly to the source of discomfort, they can reduce inflammation, interrupt pain signals, and restore function — often with longer-lasting results than oral medications alone.
Types of Therapeutic Injections
The table below summarizes the most common injection types used in pain management, including their typical medications, applications, and expected duration of effect.
| Injection type | Medication | Common uses | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroid (commonly combined with anesthetic) | Triamcinolone, methylprednisolone, betamethasone, dexamethasone. Typically combined with anesthetic (Lidocaine, Bupivicaine, Ropivicaine) for diagnostic information | Arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, rotator cuff, spinal conditions | Weeks to months. Try to limit body’s exposure to 3 injections per 6 months |
| Hyaluronic acid | Hyalgan, Synvisc, Euflexxa | Knee osteoarthritis; hip and shoulder joints | 3–6 months; given as a series of 1–5 injections |
| Diagnostic anesthetic only | Lidocaine, Bupivicaine, Ropivicaine | Very helpful to pinpoint potential pain generators (does your pain go away when we anesthetize this specific nerve or joint?) | Hours |
| Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) | Derived from patient's own blood | Tendinopathy, ligament injuries, joint osteoarthritis | Variable depending on underlying pathology; 1–3 injections; effects may last 6–12 months or provide permanent relief |
| Trigger point | Local anesthetic ± corticosteroid | Myofascial pain syndrome, tension headaches, fibromyalgia | Days to months; often combined with physical therapy |
A Guide to Therapeutic Injection Options
The most commonly used type of injection for pain relief. Corticosteroids are medications that reduce inflammation—similar to hormones your body naturally produces. When injected into a joint, tendon, or area of irritation, they can decrease swelling and relieve pain.
These injections are often combined with a local anesthetic (numbing medication such as lidocaine) to provide more immediate comfort, while the steroid works over the following days. After the numbing medication wears off, it is common for pain to return temporarily before the steroid begins to take effect. This does not mean the injection didn’t work—improvement typically follows over the next several days.
A gel-like substance that supplements the natural synovial fluid in joints. Particularly indicated in knee osteoarthritis, where cartilage degradation reduces natural lubrication. Administered as a series of injections over several weeks, it may improve mobility and reduce pain for three to six months.
These injections are used to help identify the exact source of your pain. A small amount of numbing medication is placed into a specific area to see if it temporarily relieves your symptoms.
For example, if you have hip pain and a numbing injection into the hip joint takes the pain away for a short time, it strongly suggests the pain is coming from within the joint. If the pain does not improve, it may be coming from another source, such as surrounding soft tissues or the spine.
The results of this test help guide the next step—whether that’s targeted treatment or additional imaging.
Prepared from a small sample of the patient’s own blood, PRP is concentrated with growth factors thought to promote healing of damaged tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It is a newer option with an evolving evidence base, and may be particularly useful where conventional injections have not provided adequate relief.
A small volume of local anesthetic (and sometimes corticosteroid) is injected directly into a hyperirritable muscle knot — a trigger point — to release the spasm and reduce both local and referred pain. Commonly used as part of a broader physiotherapy programme for myofascial pain syndrome.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Therapeutic injections are outpatient procedures and are typically completed within about 30 minutes. The process generally includes the following steps:
The radiologist reviews your medical history and prior imaging (such as X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound) to identify the precise injection site. The plan, goals, and expectations are discussed.
You will be positioned to allow safe and comfortable access to the treatment area. The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and a numbing medication may be used to minimize discomfort at the skin.
A thin needle is guided to the target area using imaging (such as ultrasound, X-ray, or CT) to ensure accuracy. You may feel some pressure or a brief ache as the needle reaches the intended location.
The medication is delivered, and you will remain in the clinic for a short period of observation. Some patients experience a temporary increase in discomfort within the first 24–48 hours (a “post-injection flare”), which typically resolves on its own.
Most patients go home shortly after the procedure and are advised to rest the area for the remainder of the day. Follow-up is arranged as needed to assess your response and determine next steps.
Benefits and Considerations
Potential Benefits
- Rapid and targeted pain relief at the site of pathology
- Reduced reliance on systemic oral pain medications
- Improved joint mobility and physical function
- Fewer systemic side effects compared to prolonged oral corticosteroid use
- Enables effective participation in physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedure with a short recovery period
Risks and Limitations
- Temporary post-injection pain flare in the first 24–48 hours
- Risk of infection at the injection site (extremely rare with aseptic technique)
- Repeated corticosteroid injections may weaken cartilage or tendons over time
- Transient blood sugar elevation in patients with diabetes
- Relief is often temporary and may not address the underlying pathology
Before Your Injection
Inform your clinician of the following before your appointment:
- Any blood-thinning medications (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, direct oral anticoagulants)
- Known allergies to local anesthetics, corticosteroids, or contrast agents
- Active infections, skin conditions, or recent illness
- Recent vaccinations (some guidelines recommend a 2-week gap before injection)
- Current immunosuppressant therapy or chemotherapy
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Previous adverse reactions to injections
Patient Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Therapeutic injections are outpatient procedures typically completed within 30 minutes, with most patients discharged shortly after and advised to rest the area for the remainder of the day.
Some pressure or a brief ache may be felt as the needle reaches its target. A topical anesthetic may be applied beforehand to minimize surface discomfort, and many injections also include a local anesthetic such as lidocaine for immediate relief.
A post-injection flare is a temporary worsening of symptoms that can occur in the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. It is a known reaction and generally resolves on its own without treatment.
This depends on the injection type. Corticosteroids can provide relief for weeks to months, hyaluronic acid injections may last three to six months, and PRP effects can persist for six to twelve months. Nerve blocks range from hours to weeks depending on the medication used.
Risks are generally low but include a small chance of infection at the injection site, temporary blood sugar elevation in diabetic patients, and potential weakening of cartilage or tendons with repeated corticosteroid use. Nerve damage is rare and typically associated with poor technique.