Muscle, Joint & Tendon Pain: Which Treatment Is Right for You?
If you have muscle, joint or tendon pain, physiotherapy is often a sensible starting point. Some conditions may benefit from a focused musculoskeletal ultrasound assessment, while corticosteroid injections can be considered for selected problems where reducing pain or inflammation may help.
You don’t need to know which treatment you need before booking.
At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we assess muscle, joint and tendon problems at our clinics in Leeds and Bradford and help you understand the most appropriate next step.
No GP referral is required.
View our physiotherapy services and booking options.
Which Treatment Should You Choose?
| Your symptoms or situation | A suitable starting point may be |
|---|---|
| New muscle or joint pain | Physiotherapy assessment |
| Recurring sports injury | Physiotherapy and rehabilitation |
| Persistent tendon pain | Physiotherapy; ultrasound if clinically indicated |
| Unclear soft-tissue problem | Clinical assessment, with focused ultrasound if useful |
| Pain affecting sleep or daily activities | Clinical assessment to discuss treatment options |
| Pain preventing rehabilitation | Assessment to determine whether an injection may help |
| Unsure what treatment you need | Physiotherapy assessment |
Not everyone needs an ultrasound scan or a steroid injection. The right approach depends on the diagnosis, your symptoms and your treatment goals.
1. Physiotherapy: For Pain, Movement and Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy is suitable for many muscle, joint and tendon problems.
It focuses on understanding your symptoms, improving movement and strength, and helping you return to normal activities.
When Might Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy may be appropriate for:
Back and neck pain
Shoulder, knee and hip pain
Tendon problems
Muscle strains
Running and sports injuries
Recurring joint pain
Rehabilitation after surgery
Difficulty returning to exercise
What Happens During a Physiotherapy Appointment?
Your physiotherapist will discuss your symptoms and medical history, assess movement and strength, and explain the likely causes of your problem.
Treatment may include targeted exercises, progressive strengthening, activity advice and hands-on treatment where appropriate.
Physiotherapy appointment: £65
Book a physiotherapy assessment.
2. Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: When Further Assessment May Help
A focused musculoskeletal ultrasound assessment can provide additional information about certain soft-tissue structures.
It may help assess accessible tendons, muscles, bursae and other superficial structures when the findings could influence your treatment plan.
When Might Ultrasound Be Useful?
Your clinician may consider ultrasound if:
A tendon or muscle injury is suspected
Symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment
There is localised swelling
The diagnosis remains uncertain
Imaging could change the rehabilitation plan
Ultrasound is not necessary for every patient, and not all causes of pain can be identified with ultrasound.
At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we provide a focused MSK ultrasound assessment alongside physiotherapy, rather than a comprehensive radiology scan.
Physiotherapy + focused MSK ultrasound assessment: £95
Learn about our physiotherapy and ultrasound assessment service.
3. Corticosteroid Injections: When Pain Relief May Help
Corticosteroid injections, also called cortisone or steroid injections, may reduce pain and inflammation in selected conditions.
They may be considered when symptoms are significantly affecting sleep, movement or everyday activities, or making rehabilitation difficult.
What Conditions May Benefit?
Depending on the diagnosis, injections may be considered for:
Frozen shoulder
Certain shoulder bursitis conditions
Knee osteoarthritis
Trigger finger and selected hand conditions
Certain inflammatory joint or soft-tissue conditions
An injection is not suitable for every type of joint or tendon pain. Physiotherapy or another treatment may be more appropriate.
Light Joints Physiotherapy currently provides landmark-guided corticosteroid injections. We do not offer ultrasound-guided injections as part of our current service.
We also do not provide injections into the hip joint, neck, lower back or spine.
How Much Does a Steroid Injection Cost?
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| One corticosteroid injection appointment | £195 |
| Two injections in the same appointment, where appropriate | £295 |
| Assessment only, if injection is unsuitable | £95 |
The injection appointment includes specialist assessment, medication, injection if clinically appropriate, and aftercare advice.
Booking an injection appointment does not guarantee an injection will be performed.
View our private corticosteroid injection service.
Can Physiotherapy and Steroid Injections Be Combined?
Yes, when clinically appropriate.
An injection may temporarily reduce pain enough to make movement and rehabilitation easier.
Physiotherapy can then focus on improving strength, movement and function.
However, not everyone needs an injection, and an injection is not a substitute for rehabilitation when rehabilitation is indicated.
The most suitable treatment plan depends on your condition and goals.
What If You’re Not Sure What’s Causing Your Pain?
You do not need to diagnose yourself before seeking help.
A physiotherapy assessment can help establish the likely cause of your symptoms and whether further investigation or another treatment is appropriate.
If your symptoms suggest a condition requiring medical investigation, your clinician can advise on the appropriate next steps.
Seek urgent medical advice for symptoms such as a hot, swollen joint with fever, a significant injury with deformity, or new severe neurological symptoms.
NHS vs Private Physiotherapy and Injection Treatment
Many patients consider private treatment because they want to arrange an assessment without waiting for an NHS appointment.
| Â | NHS services | Light Joints Physiotherapy |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally NHS-funded for eligible patients | Private fees apply |
| GP referral | Depends on the local pathway | Not required |
| Waiting times | Vary by service and priority | Based on available appointments |
| Physiotherapy | Available through local pathways | £65 |
| Focused MSK ultrasound assessment | When available and clinically indicated | £95 with physiotherapy |
| Steroid injection | If available and clinically appropriate | £195 for one injection |
You can arrange private assessment while waiting for NHS care. You do not necessarily need to cancel an existing NHS appointment.
Our Physiotherapy Clinics in Leeds and Bradford
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
What is the best treatment for joint pain?
It depends on the diagnosis. Physiotherapy is often an appropriate starting point, while ultrasound assessment or steroid injections may be useful in selected circumstances.
Should I book physiotherapy or a steroid injection?
If you’re unsure, a physiotherapy assessment is a sensible starting point. An injection should only be considered after assessing your condition and suitability.
Do I need an ultrasound scan for tendon pain?
Not necessarily. Many tendon problems can be assessed clinically. Focused ultrasound may help when the diagnosis is uncertain or imaging could influence treatment.
Can physiotherapy and ultrasound be done together?
Yes. Light Joints Physiotherapy offers physiotherapy with focused MSK ultrasound assessment for £95, when clinically indicated.
How much does private physiotherapy cost?
A standard physiotherapy appointment at Light Joints Physiotherapy costs £65.
How much does a private steroid injection cost?
One corticosteroid injection appointment costs £195. Two injections in the same appointment cost £295, where clinically appropriate.
What happens if I’m not suitable for a steroid injection?
You pay the £95 assessment-only fee. Your clinician will explain the findings and discuss suitable alternatives.
Can steroid injections permanently fix joint pain?
Not necessarily. They may provide temporary symptom relief in selected conditions, but results vary and further rehabilitation may be needed.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book private physiotherapy, focused MSK ultrasound assessment or an injection assessment directly.
Can I book privately while waiting for NHS treatment?
Yes. You can arrange a private assessment while waiting for an NHS appointment. The most appropriate treatment will depend on your clinical assessment.
Not Sure Which Treatment to Book?
If muscle, joint or tendon pain is affecting your daily life, a clinical assessment can help you understand the problem and your options.
Light Joints Physiotherapy — Colton, Rothwell and Greengates
Physiotherapy: £65
Physiotherapy + focused MSK ultrasound: £95
One corticosteroid injection: £195
No GP referral required
Book a physiotherapy assessment
View private injection appointments
Call: 0113 873 0766
Email: [email protected]
This article provides general information and does not replace an individual clinical assessment.
Last reviewed: 12/10/26
