- 3 Blackberry Court, Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes, MK7 7PB
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Steroid injections with a long acting anaesthetic are given to provide pain relief (by blocking pain pathways) and reducing inflammation in soft tissues such as muscles and tendons. Cortisone is used which is a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine that works to break the cycle of pain and swelling in the affected part of the body.
The local anaesthetic can reduce the sensitisation of the nerve pathways which maintain some painful trigger points. Once the pain is reduced a graduated return to normal exercise can be supervised by one of our physiotherapists.
Steroid injections with a long acting anaesthetic are given to provide pain relief (by blocking pain pathways) and reducing inflammation in soft tissues such as muscles and tendons. Cortisone is used which is a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine that works to break the cycle of pain and swelling in the affected part of the body.
The local anaesthetic can reduce the sensitisation of the nerve pathways which maintain some painful trigger points. Once the pain is reduced a graduated return to normal exercise can be supervised by one of our physiotherapists.
A trigger point is a sensitive area of the body, stimulation or irritation of which causes a specific effect in another part, especially a tender area in a muscle which causes generalized musculoskeletal pain when overstimulated.
Acupuncture and Dry Needling are also useful methods of treating painful trigger points along with manual therapy, stretching and soft tissue massage. If these techniques do not work for you the practitioner will refer you to one of the Blackberry Clinic doctors for a steroid injection with a long acting local anaesthetic.
Treatment for acute and chronic sports injuries, arthritis, soft tissue injuries and exercise medicine consultations
You will have a thorough assessment to see if this treatment is appropriate and the treatment will be explained to you. You may be taken to our fluoroscopy theatre so the doctor can use the x ray or ultrasound equipment for guidance in placing the needle. The doctor will explain what is happening throughout the procedure.
Local anaesthetic is used so it is not an excessively painful procedure. The doctor can administer extra pain relief if you do feel pain and will ask you throughout the procedure if you are ok and coping with the treatment.
If the trigger point pain does not improve after the first injection you could have another one but this will be determined at your follow up appointment. Further injections may be needed so long as there is significant but incomplete improvement.
Most pain relief occurs during the first 2-4 weeks and you should contact the clinic for advice to see if you need a second injection for the best outcome after a couple of weeks. Once you are in less pain it is important that you book in to see one of our physios so they can monitor your progress and give you a graduated exercise programme to increase strength and mobility.
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