A corticosteroid injection is a safe and effective pain relief treatment for joint and soft tissue inflammation. It helps reduce swelling, stiffness, and discomfort in conditions like arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, frozen shoulder, and sports injuries.
At TARGET Physio Injection Clinic in Chesterfield, Derbyshire we provide expert-administered corticosteroid injections to help you regain mobility and live pain-free.
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that reduce swelling and irritation inside joints and soft tissues. This helps relieve pain and stiffness, making movement easier and more comfortable.
Pain relief can begin within 24–48 hours, but it may take up to 7–10 days for full results. Some people experience mild discomfort for a day or two before feeling improvement.
Results vary based on the individual and the condition being treated. Some patients experience pain relief for several weeks, while others benefit for several months. If pain returns, we can discuss further treatment options.
No – you don’t need a referral from your GP.
You can book directly with Target Physio Injection Clinic for a full assessment and treatment, if appropriate. This means you get faster access to expert care, without waiting for an NHS referral or paperwork.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that makes it easy to access the area being treated. For example, shorts for a knee injection or a vest top for a shoulder injection.
Yes – you’re very welcome to bring a friend or family member along for support during your visit.
You may feel a brief sharp scratch or pressure, but most people tolerate it well. We use expert techniques and fine needles to keep discomfort to a minimum.
No – we do not inject into the bone. Injections are carefully placed into the joint space or soft tissue (like a tendon sheath or bursa) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Yes, we usually ask you to stay for around 15 minutes after your injection. This is just a routine precaution so we can keep an eye out for any rare side effects, such as a allergic reaction.
If it’s your first injection or you’ve had a reaction in the past, we may ask you to wait a little longer for your safety.
Most people feel absolutely fine and can leave shortly after with no issues.
● Rest the treated area for 24–48 hours (avoid heavy lifting or intense activity).
● Apply an ice pack if you experience soreness.
● Monitor for any side effects and contact us if you have concerns.
It’s best to avoid driving for a few hours, especially if the injection is in a weight-bearing joint (such as the knee or hip). If possible, arrange for someone to drive you home.
It depends on the type of injection you are having and the kind of work you do.
If your job is sedentary or light duty (e.g. desk work), you’ll most likely be fine to return to work the same or next day.
If your job is manual, physical or repetitive, we usually recommend:
2–3 days off or light duties after a joint injection
10–14 days of reduced activity following a soft tissue injection (e.g. for tendon or bursa)
We’ll always advise you based on your individual situation to help you recover safely and get the best result from your treatment.
Yes, you can continue your usual pain relief unless advised otherwise. Some people reduce their painkillers as the injection starts working – we’ll guide you.
Side effects are uncommon but may include:
● Temporary soreness at the injection site
● A mild flare-up of pain for a day or two
● Facial flushing (a warm, red face)
● A temporary increase in blood sugar (important for diabetics)
● Skin thinning or slight colour change at the injection site (rare)
Serious complications, such as infection, are extremely rare. At our Target Physio Injection clinic, Chesterfield we follow strict hygiene and safety protocols.
Yes, but steroid injections can temporarily raise blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, we will provide guidance on how to monitor your blood sugar after the procedure.
Yes, if clinically appropriate. We may treat more than one joint or soft tissue area during the same visit – we’ll discuss this with you beforehand.
To protect joint health, we recommend spacing injections at least 3–4 months apart, with a maximum of 3–4 injections per year in the same joint.
Yes – in most cases, it’s safe to have a steroid injection while taking blood thinners, but there are a few precautions we’ll take to keep you safe.
We’ll carry out a careful assessment of your medication, dosage, and overall health. Sometimes, we may advise you to check with your GP or specialist before going ahead.
Here’s how we manage different blood thinners:
Warfarin – you’ll need an INR test within the week before your injection to make sure your levels are within a safe range.
Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, or Dabigatran – you can still have an injection, but we’ll discuss the timing and any precautions at your assessment.
Aspirin or Clopidogrel – these usually don’t need any special monitoring, and you can continue them as normal.
Yes – in many cases, a steroid injection can help manage your pain and keep you mobile while waiting for surgery. However, the timing matters, especially if your operation is coming up soon.
For certain surgeries like a Joint Replacement Surgery, we recommend leaving at least 4–6 months between your injection and the operation. This helps reduce any risk of infection during surgery.
If your surgery is expected within the next 6–12 weeks, we’ll carefully consider whether the injection is appropriate at this stage.
You can receive safe, professional private corticosteroid injections at our clinic in Wingerworth, Chesterfield. We offer fast access to treatment for arthritis, joint pain, sports injuries, and more — without NHS waiting lists.
You can book an appointment through our website contact us form or call us directly and leave a voice message. We offer flexible appointment times and can provide an initial consultation to assess your condition.
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