Patient information & consent

This page provides general information for patients attending Wellbeing & Health MSK Clinics for physiotherapy, diagnostic ultrasound or ultrasound‑guided injection. It does not replace a clinical consultation. Your clinician will discuss your individual risks and answer questions before any procedure.

Diagnostic ultrasound (MSK ultrasound scan)

Musculoskeletal ultrasound uses sound waves to view tendons, muscles, ligaments, bursae and joints. It is commonly used for sports injuries, rotator cuff problems, bursitis, tendon tears, and guiding injections. Ultrasound does not use ionising radiation.

• Benefits: real‑time assessment, dynamic testing, supports diagnosis and treatment planning
• Limitations: some deep structures may not be fully visible; sometimes MRI or X‑ray is more appropriate

Ultrasound‑guided injection

When clinically appropriate, an injection may be offered to reduce pain/inflammation and help you progress rehabilitation. We use ultrasound guidance for accuracy, especially for bursa and tendon‑adjacent injections.

Common injection types

• Corticosteroid (cortisone): anti‑inflammatory medication used to reduce pain in selected conditions (e.g., bursitis, synovitis).
• Hyaluronic acid: used in some osteoarthritis cases (knee/hip) to support symptom control.
• Local anaesthetic: may be included to provide short‑term pain relief.

Possible risks and side effects

• Temporary increase in pain for 24–72 hours (“post‑injection flare”)
• Bruising, bleeding, soreness at the injection site
• Skin colour change or thinning of skin/fat (rare)
• Transient facial flushing (some patients after steroid)
• Temporary rise in blood glucose in people with diabetes
• Infection (very rare, but serious)
• Allergic reaction (rare)

Who should tell us before an injection

• Diabetes
• Blood thinners / anticoagulants
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Immune suppression, recent infection, fever, skin infection near the site
• Previous reaction to steroid/local anaesthetic

Aftercare guidance

• Keep the area clean; avoid soaking (baths/swimming) for 24 hours
• Avoid heavy training for 48 hours; return to rehab gradually
• Use ice/Paracetamol if advised for soreness
• Follow your rehab plan — injections work best alongside physiotherapy

Red flags after injection (seek urgent medical help)

• Increasing redness, heat, swelling with fever or feeling unwell
• Severe escalating pain beyond expected soreness
• Shortness of breath, widespread rash, facial swelling (allergy)

Consent statement (to discuss in clinic)

By proceeding, you confirm you understand the purpose, benefits and risks, have had the chance to ask questions, and consent to assessment/scan/injection where clinically appropriate.

SEO keywords included

diagnostic ultrasound Coventry, MSK ultrasound scan, ultrasound guided injection, cortisone injection Midlands, hyaluronic acid injection, knee injection Coventry, shoulder injection Wolverhampton, private physiotherapy Rugby, MSK clinic Birmingham Kings Heath, injection aftercare.