Infiltration therapy for joint pain - acute & chronic relief

Infiltration therapy

Infiltration involves the targeted injection of one or more active ingredients into specific areas of the body, such as muscles, tendons or joints. Direct application to painful structures usually provides fast and effective relief. A major advantage of this local therapy is that there are no systemic side effects, as can occur with tablets, and the substances are applied directly to the site of the complaint. We use different substances depending on the symptoms.

Biological procedures: In biological procedures, autologous blood (PRP - platelet-rich plasma) is most frequently used in combination with hyaluronic acid.

Chemical procedures: In the chemical procedure, we use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone in combination with a local anesthetic.

Targeted infiltration for joint and tendon pain

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Mechanisms of action

The effect of infiltration depends largely on the substance used:

• Local anesthetics: rapid pain relief

• Cortisone: inhibition of inflammatory processes

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Inhibition of inflammatory processes

• Hyaluronic acid: improves the gliding ability in the joint

• Autologous blood (PRP): stimulation of the body's own healing processes

• Peptides: modulation of inflammation, slowing of degenerative activity

• Local anesthetics: Provide immediate, noticeable pain relief.

• Autologous blood (PRP): Stimulates the body's own repair and regeneration processes.

• Frequently combined with hyaluronic acid for joint complaints. 

• Cortisone: Aims to specifically inhibit inflammatory processes. 

• Hyaluronic acid: Improves the viscosity and lubricity of the synovial fluid - ideal for osteoarthritis.

In practice, these substances are often combined. For example, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) from the patient's own blood supports regenerative processes, while hyaluronic acid as a "joint lubricant" increases mobility. Local anaesthetics have a rapid pain-relieving effect and, in combination with cortisone, an additional anti-inflammatory effect is achieved - without the systemic side effects that can occur with oral cortisone administration.

Areas of application

Infiltrations are used for various orthopaedic conditions - especially when conservative therapies have not yet had sufficient effect. Infiltration is part of a holistic treatment plan and is combined with other measures.

Typical areas of application:

• Muscle tension

• Tendon pain: e.g. in the biceps or Achilles tendon

• Joint pain: shoulder: e.g. impingement, biceps tendon irritation, frozen shoulder / hip: e.g. trochanteric bursitis

• Osteoarthritis

Treatment procedure

Infiltrations are carried out on an outpatient basis in the practice. The entire session, including preparation, takes about 10 minutes. As a rule, two to four treatments are necessary to achieve a lasting effect. 

After disinfection and local anesthesia, the substance is injected precisely. Sterile disposable instruments protect against infection - this is particularly important for joint infiltrations, as the immune system is limited in these areas.

Side effects

Infiltrations are generally very well tolerated. Possible, mostly harmless side effects:

• Slight pain at the puncture site

• Bruising 

• Infections are extremely rare