When Do You Know You Need a Joint Injection?
You may benefit from a corticosteroid (cortisone) injection if persistent joint or soft-tissue pain is affecting your sleep, work or everyday activities, particularly when appropriate physiotherapy or other treatments have not provided enough relief.
However, pain alone does not mean you need an injection. Whether one is suitable depends on your diagnosis, medical history, symptoms and the expected benefits and risks.
At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we offer private joint and tendon injection assessments in Leeds and Bradford, at our Colton, Rothwell and Greengates clinics.
No GP referral is required to book an assessment.
View our private joint injection service and appointment options.
5 Signs You May Benefit From a Joint Injection
1. Your Joint Pain Is Affecting Your Sleep
Persistent pain that wakes you at night or makes it difficult to get comfortable can affect your quality of life.
A corticosteroid injection may help certain inflammatory conditions, but the underlying cause of the pain should be assessed first.
2. Pain Is Limiting Everyday Activities
If walking, climbing stairs, getting dressed or using your arm has become difficult, reducing pain may help improve your movement and function.
3. Physiotherapy Has Not Provided Enough Relief
If you have tried appropriate rehabilitation without sufficient improvement, a corticosteroid injection may be an option to discuss.
It is not automatically the next step for every condition.
4. Pain Is Preventing Rehabilitation
Sometimes pain makes it difficult to progress with strengthening or mobility exercises.
In selected cases, an injection may provide temporary relief that makes rehabilitation easier.
5. Symptoms Are Affecting Work or Exercise
If pain is preventing you from working, exercising or returning to normal activities, an assessment can help determine whether an injection or another treatment is appropriate.
The most important factor is your diagnosis, not simply how long you have been in pain.
When Is a Joint Injection Not Recommended?
A corticosteroid injection may not be appropriate if:
Your symptoms are mild or improving
Physiotherapy is already helping
The cause of your pain is unclear
Your condition is unlikely to benefit from corticosteroids
Infection is suspected
The risks outweigh the likely benefits
Another treatment is more suitable
Some tendon conditions respond better to progressive strengthening and load management.
Your clinician should explain the alternatives before recommending an injection.
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What Conditions Can Cortisone Injections Help?
Corticosteroid injections may be considered for selected musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Shoulder pain: Certain cases of bursitis, frozen shoulder and other suitable inflammatory conditions
Knee osteoarthritis: Short-term symptom relief for selected patients
Hand and wrist conditions: Trigger finger and certain tendon-sheath disorders
Elbow conditions: Selected inflammatory problems, although injections are not always appropriate for tennis elbow
Foot and ankle conditions: Certain inflammatory joint and soft-tissue problems
Not every painful joint or tendon is suitable for injection.
Light Joints Physiotherapy does not provide injections into the hip joint, neck, lower back or spine.
For related treatment information, visit our shoulder pain physiotherapy or knee pain physiotherapy pages.
Should You Try Physiotherapy Before a Steroid Injection?
Physiotherapy is often an appropriate first treatment, particularly for conditions involving muscle weakness, reduced movement or difficulty tolerating activity.
For some patients, an injection may be considered when pain is preventing progress with rehabilitation.
The best approach depends on your condition. Sometimes physiotherapy alone is sufficient; in other cases, an injection and rehabilitation may form part of the same treatment plan.
Learn more about physiotherapy at Light Joints Physiotherapy.
What Happens During a Private Joint Injection Appointment?
1. Clinical Assessment
Your clinician reviews your symptoms, medical history, medications and previous treatments.
They will examine the affected area and determine whether an injection is appropriate.
2. Discussion of Treatment Options
You will receive an explanation of the expected benefits, risks and alternatives.
3. Corticosteroid Injection
If suitable and you consent, a landmark-guided corticosteroid injection may be performed during the same appointment.
Our current service does not offer ultrasound-guided injections.
4. Aftercare and Rehabilitation
Your clinician provides advice about activity, possible side effects and rehabilitation.
An injection is not guaranteed simply because you book an appointment.
How Much Does a Private Joint Injection Cost in Leeds or Bradford?
Our current prices are:
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| One corticosteroid injection appointment | £195 |
| Two injections in the same appointment, where appropriate | £295 |
| Assessment only, if an injection is unsuitable | £95 |
The injection price includes the clinical assessment, medication, landmark-guided injection if appropriate, and aftercare advice.
If an injection is unsuitable, you pay the £95 assessment-only fee.
For more information, read How Much Do Cortisone Injections Cost in Leeds and Bradford?.
Can I Book a Private Joint Injection While Waiting for the NHS?
Yes. You can book a private joint injection assessment while waiting for an NHS musculoskeletal appointment.
No GP referral is required to arrange an assessment at Light Joints Physiotherapy.
NHS waiting times vary depending on the local service, referral pathway and clinical priority.
If you are waiting for NHS treatment and your symptoms are affecting daily life, a private assessment may help you explore your options.
You do not need to cancel an existing NHS appointment simply to arrange a private assessment. If you receive an injection privately, inform the clinicians involved in your NHS care.
Check our private injection service and appointment options.
How Long Does a Cortisone Injection Take to Work?
A corticosteroid injection commonly begins working within a few days, although the timing varies.
Some patients experience temporary soreness or a short-lived increase in pain after treatment.
If effective, pain relief may last several weeks to a few months, but results are not guaranteed.
Read our guide: How Long Do Cortisone Injections Last?.
Are Joint Injections Safe?
Corticosteroid injections are commonly used but carry potential risks.
Possible side effects include:
Temporary soreness or bruising
A short-lived increase in pain
Skin colour or soft-tissue changes
Temporary increases in blood glucose
Infection or allergic reactions, which are uncommon but potentially serious
Possible tendon or cartilage-related risks in certain circumstances
Your clinician will discuss relevant risks before treatment.
Read more: Are Cortisone Injections Safe?.
Seek urgent medical advice if you develop increasing redness, swelling, heat, severe pain or fever after an injection. Call 999 for symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
Do You Need an Ultrasound Scan Before a Joint Injection?
Not always.
Some conditions can be assessed through clinical examination alone. Where clinically indicated, focused musculoskeletal ultrasound may help assess accessible structures such as tendons or bursae.
We offer physiotherapy with focused MSK ultrasound assessment for £95, when appropriate.
This is different from ultrasound-guided injection treatment.
Our current injection service uses anatomical landmark guidance.
Where Can I Get a Private Joint Injection in Leeds or Bradford?
Light Joints Physiotherapy offers injection assessments at three clinics.
Colton, Leeds
Suite 1, inside Jetts Fitness
5b Stile Hill Way, Colton, Leeds LS15 9JB
Colton clinic
Rothwell, Leeds
Suite 1, inside Jetts Fitness
75 Commercial Street, Rothwell, Leeds LS26 0QD
Rothwell clinic
Greengates, Bradford
Suite 1, inside Jetts Fitness
800 Harrogate Road, Apperley Bridge, Bradford BD10 0QS
Contact and locations
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a cortisone injection?
An injection may be worth discussing if persistent pain is affecting daily activities or limiting rehabilitation. A clinical assessment is needed to determine whether it is suitable.
Should I try physiotherapy before a steroid injection?
Often, yes. Physiotherapy may be sufficient for many conditions. An injection may be considered alongside or after rehabilitation when appropriate.
Can I get a joint injection without a GP referral?
Yes. You can book a private injection assessment directly with Light Joints Physiotherapy.
Can I have a steroid injection at my first appointment?
Possibly. An injection may be performed during the same appointment if clinically appropriate and you consent.
How much does a private joint injection cost?
One injection appointment costs £195, or £295 for two injections in the same appointment where appropriate. If an injection is unsuitable, the assessment-only fee is £95.
Can I book privately instead of waiting for the NHS?
Yes. You can arrange a private assessment while waiting for NHS care. Treatment depends on clinical suitability.
How long does a cortisone injection last?
Pain relief may last several weeks to a few months, although results vary.
Are joint injections painful?
You may feel some discomfort during or after the procedure. Your clinician will explain what to expect and provide aftercare advice.
Can I exercise after a steroid injection?
You may need to temporarily modify strenuous activity before gradually returning to exercise. Follow your clinician’s individual aftercare advice.
Can I have another injection if my pain returns?
Possibly, but repeat injections require reassessment because the benefits and risks depend on the condition, injection site and previous treatment.
Book a Private Joint Injection Assessment in Leeds or Bradford
If persistent joint or soft-tissue pain is affecting your sleep, work or daily activities, an assessment can help determine whether a corticosteroid injection is suitable.
Light Joints Physiotherapy — Colton, Rothwell and Greengates
One injection: £195
Two injections: £295, where appropriate
Assessment only: £95, if injection is unsuitable
No GP referral required
View our private joint injection service and appointment options
Call: 0113 873 0766
Email: [email protected]
Clinical References
This article provides general information and does not replace an individual clinical assessment.
Last reviewed: 12/10/26
Corticosteroid Injection
£195
- Specialist Clinical Assessment Inc. Ultrasound Scan
- Clear Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
- Landmark Corticosteroid Injection if Appropriate
- Rehabilitation & Aftercare
Price includes £95 assessment fee
Two Corticosteroid Injections
£295
- Specialist Clinical Assessment Inc. Ultrasound Scan
- Clear Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
- Two landmark injections in the Same Appointment
- Rehabilitation & Aftercare
Price includes £95 assessment fee
