Ultrasound Scans and Injections

Before Your Appointment

Please contact Ealing Physio before your appointment if any of the following apply. If you do not contact us beforehand, your appointment may need to be rescheduled:

Anticoagulants: You are taking blood-thinning medication, such as Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Rivaroxaban or Apixaban.
DVT treatment: You have recently been diagnosed with a DVT, or a suspected DVT, and your medication is ongoing.
Antibiotics: You are currently taking or have recently finished a course of antibiotics
Possible infection: You suspect or are concerned that you may have an infection.
Medication allergies: You have any known medication allergies.

Before the Procedure

Transport: We advise bringing someone with you, as you will not be allowed to drive immediately following the procedure.
Arrival: Please check in at reception when you arrive.
Waiting area: Please take a seat after checking in. We run a busy clinic with multiple procedures, so patients may be called into separate rooms at different times.

During the Procedure

Assistance: A clinician or assistant will show you into the room and help you change if required. They are present to support the procedure and ensure you remain comfortable throughout..
Latex allergy: If you have a latex allergy, please inform the staff immediately upon entering the room.
Ultrasound scan: The procedure begins with an ultrasound scan to locate the target area. A small amount of gel will be applied to your skin to help the ultrasound waves provide a clear image.
Sterile technique: We use an aseptic, clean technique to reduce the risk of infection. Your skin will be washed, and a sterile cover will be placed over the area.
The injection: Local anaesthetic will be injected first to numb the area. This may sting for a couple of seconds before going numb. Guided by the ultrasound probe, the clinician will position the needle and inject the specified local anaesthetic or local anaesthetic/steroid mixture.
Dressing: A small dressing will be applied at the end. Please keep this clean and dry for the rest of the day.

Who May Not Be Able to Have Steroid Injections

Steroid injections are not suitable for everyone. To make sure they are safe for you, tell your clinical specialist or doctor before having a steroid injection if any of the following applies to you:

You have ever had an allergic reaction to a steroid, a local anaesthetic, or any other medicine.
You or a close family member has ever experienced depression or manic depression (bipolar disorder)
You have an infection, including an eye infection.
You are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breastfeeding..
You have recently been in contact with someone who has chickenpox, shingles, or measles.
You have recently had, or are due to have, vaccinations.
You are taking immunosuppressant medication. You may need clearance from your specialist before having a steroid injection

Steroid injections can make some health problems worse, so it is important that your doctor monitors you. Make sure your clinical specialist / doctor knows if you have:

Any unhealed wounds.
High blood pressure.
An eye problem called glaucoma.
Weak or fragile bones (osteoporosis).
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Important Aftercare

Activity: Avoid strenuous activity for a few days following the procedure.
Soreness and flares: The injected area may feel sore for a few days. Local anaesthetic wears off after 1 to 2 hours. You may experience temporary worsening of symptoms during the first 24 to 48 hours, known as a steroid flare. Standard pain relief medication can be taken as normal.
Pain diary: You may be given a pain diary to record your progress for your follow-up appointment.
Diabetics: Steroid injections may cause a temporary rise in blood sugar levels for a few days.
Skin changes: Steroid injections can occasionally cause skin thinning or changes in skin colour at the site, especially with repeated injections.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek prompt medical advice via your GP or urgent care unit if you experience any of the following:

Excessive bleeding from the injection site.
Significantly increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth.
Swelling in the neck, armpit, or groin.
Fever or chills.

Contact Information and Cancellations

If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please notify Ealing Physio as soon as possible so the slot can be offered to another patient.