Targeted and effective
high quality – anti-inflammatory – pain-relieving
Our wide range of injection therapies are specifically used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve joint function. These methods are particularly valuable when surgery needs to be postponed or avoided. Our many years of experience and specialisation enable us to successfully treat even complex conditions.
Why are injections used for joint pain?
- Targeted treatment:
We treat the pain or inflammation directly at the source. - Avoiding surgery:
Surgical procedures can often be delayed or avoided. - Fewer painkillers:
This helps us reduce the use of medication, which often has side effects. - For acute and chronic joint pain:
In cases of inflammation or irritation, injections provide immediate relief. They also aid in the diagnosis of structural damage. - Successful treatment for osteoarthritis:
With osteoarthritis in particular, injections often enable us to delay the need for surgery.
What types of injections does Dr Beate Helgers offer?
Hyaluronic acid injection
therapyCortisone injection therapyInjection
therapy using the body’s own blood plasma (PRP)Injection therapy using natural substances
Hyaluronic acid injections –
lubrication and protection for your joints
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of synovial fluid, the production of which decreases over the course of a person’s life. Hyaluronic acid injections act as a lubricating layer between the joint surfaces, thereby protecting the cartilage from further wear and tear. Hyaluronic acid injections are an excellent way of improving joint function and slowing down the wear-and-tear process, particularly in cases of osteoarthritis or early-stage joint wear.
What types of hyaluronic acid do we use?
We use hyaluronic acid in the consistency that is most appropriate, depending on the individual findings.
- More fluid hyaluronic acid preparations spread quickly within the joint and provide immediate lubrication.
- Thicker hyaluronic acid preparations form a film over the joint; they are more viscous and therefore have a longer-lasting effect.
- Newer synthetic variants are considerably more viscous. They also penetrate the cartilage to some extent, thereby increasing its thickness, which further slows down wear and tear.
In our practice,
this synthetic treatment is usually administered as a course of several injections at weekly intervals. These ‘cartilage-building injections’ are particularly effective when osteoarthritis is detected at an early stage and can often delay the need for surgery for a long time.
Injections containing cortisone
and a local anaesthetic
This combination provides rapid relief from acute joint symptoms such as swelling, irritation and pain. Cortisone can have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, particularly in cases of inflammatory joint conditions, whilst local anaesthetics provide immediate pain relief. This type of injection also helps to distinguish between acute inflammation and more profound structural damage.
The benefits of cortisone injection therapy:
- Rapid and targeted pain relief
- Reduction of swelling and inflammation
- Useful for diagnosing joint damage
PRP
(platelet-rich plasma) injections
PRP is a particularly innovative treatment method that uses the body’s own blood plasma to support tissue healing. This therapy is ideal for joint problems, but also for tendon injuries or conditions such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendon issues, as well as problems affecting the shoulder.
The benefits of a PRP injection:
- Damaged joint and tendon structures are regenerated by the body’s own healing powers.
- The treatment is minimally invasive and involves no foreign substances.
- PRP is particularly well suited to athletes or patients with recurring symptoms.
Naturopathic treatments:
Injections containing herbal remedies
or preparations such as Traumeel or Zeel
For patients who prefer a gentle and natural form of treatment, we offer injections containing homeopathic remedies such as Traumeel or Zeel. These remedies have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects and are particularly suitable for patients who suffer from long-term joint pain.
Our injection therapies can help you relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve your mobility. We place great emphasis on personalised and holistic treatment tailored to your individual needs. We can often support the healing process and prolong the benefits by combining various injections with other therapies, such as physiotherapy.
Your gentle journey to pain-free joints begins at our practice
Our aim is to offer you the gentlest and most effective treatment possible, with a view to improving your quality of life in the long term – without the need for surgery. We take the time to listen to you and discuss all your questions in a face-to-face consultation.
Contact
How can we help you?
Book an appointment today and let’s work together to find the best solution for your joint problems!
Questions and Answers on Injection Therapy
FAQs
How long does it take for an injection to take effect?
The effect depends on the type of injection:
- Cortisone injections usually take effect within a few hours to a few days and provide rapid relief from acute pain.
- Hyaluronic acid injections and PRP injections may take slightly longer, as they aim to regenerate the tissue. The full effect often sets in after one to two weeks, but can be long-lasting and continue for months. In all cases, you should feel significant pain relief and improved mobility following the injection.
Are injections painful?
Most patients find the injections quite tolerable. To make the procedure as comfortable as possible, we often use local anaesthetics in our clinics, which make the injection and the administration of the medication almost painless. For some treatments, such as hyaluronic acid injections, the injection site may be cooled or numbed beforehand to make the treatment even more comfortable.
How long do the effects of an injection last?
The duration of the effect varies depending on the form of treatment we choose and on your individual response:
- Cortisone injections often provide a quick, short-term solution, but the effects can last for several weeks to months.
- Hyaluronic acid injections can provide relief for between 6 and 12 months, depending on the severity of the osteoarthritis and the preparations used.
- PRP injections offer a long-term solution, as they promote tissue regeneration. In this case, the effect can last from several months up to a year. In many cases, regular booster injections are possible to maintain the effect.
What are the risks and side effects associated with injection therapies?
Injections are generally very safe, and serious side effects are rare. However, in some cases, there may be slight swelling, redness or bruising at the injection site, which subsides quickly. With cortisone injections, a temporary increase in pain (known as a ‘cortisone flare’) may occur in rare cases.
With hyaluronic acid injections, particularly those containing animal-derived preparations, there may be a risk of an allergic reaction. We select the preparation on a case-by-case basis to minimise these risks. We also offer synthetic preparations, with which we have had very good results.