If you’re living with muscle, joint, or tendon pain, the hardest part often isn’t the pain itself, it’s not knowing what treatment you actually need.
Most people who come to Light Joints Physiotherapy say the same thing:
“I don’t know whether I need physio, a scan, or an injection.”
This article explains the three most effective treatments we provide in Leeds and Bradford:
physiotherapy
diagnostic ultrasound assessment
corticosteroid (steroid) injections
You’ll learn what each treatment does, who it helps, and how to choose the right option for your pain or injury.
Quick summary: which treatment is best?
Here’s the simplest way to think about it:
Physiotherapy treats the cause of the problem
Ultrasound helps confirm the diagnosis
Steroid injections reduce inflammation and severe pain
Most patients don’t need to decide on their own.
The best starting point is usually:
👉 Physiotherapy Assessment & Treatment
During this appointment we can also perform ultrasound when clinically appropriate, and discuss whether an injection would be helpful.
🏥 NHS vs Private Treatment – What’s the Difference?
Many people delay getting help because they’re unsure whether to wait for the NHS or go private.
Here’s a simple comparison.
| NHS | Private at Light Joints Physiotherapy |
|---|---|
| Waiting lists often weeks to months | Appointments within days |
| Limited time per appointment | Longer assessment and treatment |
| GP referral usually required | Self-referral – book directly |
| Often separate locations for scan/injection | Assessment, ultrasound and discussion in one visit |
| Less continuity of clinician | See the same clinician throughout |
| Fewer appointment time options | Early morning, evening and Saturday availability |
Private treatment is often chosen when:
pain is severe or affecting sleep
you need to return to work/sport
waiting lists are too long
you want a clearer diagnosis sooner
🏋️ Physiotherapy: rebuilding strength, movement, and confidence
Physiotherapy is the foundation treatment for most muscle, joint and tendon problems.
What physiotherapy aims to do
reduce pain
improve movement
rebuild strength
improve confidence in your body
prevent future flare-ups
Conditions we commonly treat
lower back pain and sciatica
neck and shoulder pain
sports injuries
tendon problems (Achilles, patellar, tennis elbow)
knee and hip pain
post-operative rehabilitation
What happens in a physiotherapy session?
Your physiotherapist will:
listen to your symptoms and goals
assess movement, strength and function
explain clearly what is causing the pain
design a personalised exercise and treatment plan
Treatment may include:
targeted strengthening exercises
mobility work
hands-on therapy where appropriate
load management and training advice
🔍 Diagnostic Ultrasound Assessment: seeing the problem in real time
Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound allows us to see soft tissues in motion, in real time.
Ultrasound can assess:
tendons
ligaments
muscles
bursae
joint fluid
some nerve problems
When ultrasound is especially useful
pain not improving with basic rehab
suspected tendon or muscle tear
persistent swelling
catching, clicking or locking sensation
uncertainty about diagnosis
Benefits of ultrasound
no radiation
immediate results during your appointment
dynamic, we can scan while you move
excellent for tendon and soft-tissue problems
At Light Joints Physiotherapy, ultrasound is used:
👉 when clinically appropriate
👉 alongside a full clinical assessment
đź’‰ Corticosteroid Injections: reducing inflammation and severe pain
Corticosteroid (steroid) injections are used to reduce inflammation and pain in:
joints
bursae
some soft tissues
They are particularly helpful when:
pain is severe or constant
sleep is disrupted
movement is significantly restricted
pain prevents progress with rehabilitation
Common conditions where injection may help
frozen shoulder
shoulder bursitis / impingement
trigger finger
plantar fasciitis
knee osteoarthritis
hip / trochanteric bursitis
Important note
Steroid injections are not a cure.
They are most effective when they:
provide pain relief that allows you to complete physiotherapy successfully.
Every injection appointment at Light Joints Physiotherapy includes:
full clinical assessment
discussion of risks, benefits and alternatives
consent and safety screening
post-injection advice and aftercare
🧠Not sure what you need?
You don’t need to choose between physiotherapy, ultrasound, or injections on your own.
Book an assessment or contact our team and we’ll advise you on the most appropriate next step.
đź’¬ Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you can self-refer to us privately.
Can I have ultrasound and injection on the same day?
Sometimes, depending on your assessment findings and clinical safety.
Will I definitely get a scan or injection?
Only if clinically appropriate, and only after full discussion.
What if I prefer not to have an injection?
That’s absolutely fine — many people recover very well with physiotherapy alone.
đź“Ť Our Clinics in Leeds & Bradford
We provide physiotherapy, ultrasound, and steroid injections at:
Rothwell, Leeds
Colton, Leeds
Greengates, Bradford
We offer early morning, evening and Saturday appointments.
âś… Ready to get the right treatment for your pain?
You don’t need to keep guessing or waiting.
We will:
assess your condition
explain what’s causing the pain
use ultrasound if appropriate
recommend physiotherapy, injection, or both