Shoulder
Subacromial bursitis, rotator cuff-related pain and adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).
5 treatment areas
Shoulder, wrist, hip, knee and ankle
6–12 months
A recent relevant X-ray is required
Referral required
Patients cannot book or self-refer directly
Joint pain care
Assessment for the joints that keep you moving.
The clinic assesses eligible patients with joint-related pain and may provide a steroid injection when it is clinically appropriate.
Wrist
Joint pain, including osteoarthritis and inflammatory conditions.
Hip
Osteoarthritis and trochanteric bursitis.
Knee
Osteoarthritis and other eligible joint-related pain.
Ankle
Osteoarthritis, joint pain and inflammatory conditions.
How it works
From referral to assessment, one clear process.
- 01
Speak With Your Healthcare Provider
If you are interested in the clinic, speak with your family doctor, nurse practitioner or another authorized healthcare provider.
- 02
Referral Submitted
Your healthcare provider submits the completed referral form, supporting clinical information and a relevant X-ray completed within the past 6–12 months.
- 03
Clinical Review
The clinic reviews the referral to determine whether an assessment is appropriate. Additional information may be requested if required.
- 04
Appointment Scheduled
If the referral is accepted, the clinic contacts the patient directly to schedule an appointment. Submitting a referral does not guarantee an appointment or injection.
- 05
Assessment and Treatment Decision
The clinician reviews the patient’s history, medications and imaging and examines the affected area. If an injection is appropriate, the benefits and risks are explained before the patient decides.
Before your visit
What patients should know before their appointment.
Bring with you
- An up-to-date list of medications
- A relevant X-ray report completed within the past 6–12 months
Tell the clinician if you
- Have diabetes
- Take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- Have medication allergies
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have previously received injections in the affected area
- Have a joint replacement
- Have surgery planned for the affected area
About treatment
What is a steroid joint injection?
A corticosteroid medication is injected into a joint or nearby inflamed tissue to help reduce pain and inflammation. A local anaesthetic may also be included to temporarily numb the area.
A steroid injection may
- Reduce pain and stiffness
- Improve movement and function
- Make exercise or rehabilitation more comfortable
The amount and duration of relief vary, and some patients may not experience an improvement. Steroid injections do not cure arthritis or repair joint damage. Additional treatments or exercises may still be recommended.
After the injection
Recovery, side effects and when to get help.
Temporary soreness or a pain flare may occur during the first 24–48 hours. Other possible effects include bruising or flushing, skin colour changes, skin or fatty-tissue thinning, temporary changes in sleep, mood or menstrual cycle, and a temporary rise in blood sugar.
Rare complications include infection, significant bleeding, a severe allergic reaction and tendon injury. Repeated injections may increase the risk of cartilage or tendon damage. Any future injection will require reassessment.
- Rest the treated area for the first 24–48 hours
- Continue gentle movement unless advised otherwise
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting and repeated loading
- Return to regular activities gradually
- Use your usual pain medication only if it is safe for you
Temporary relief from the local anaesthetic may wear off before the steroid begins working. Improvement may begin within a few days but can sometimes take longer. Patients with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar more frequently for the next few days.
Seek urgent medical care for increasing or severe pain, a hot or swollen joint, spreading redness, fever or chills, or feeling generally unwell. Do not assume these symptoms are a normal post-injection flare. If the clinic is closed, visit an urgent care clinic or emergency department.