How Hyaluronic Acid Injections Could Relieve Your Pain

Using injection therapy alongside other physiotherapy methods can be an excellent way to control and manage pain and inflammation. Tendon disorders, runners knee and osteoarthritis can all be treated using hyaluronic acid injections.

What are hyaluronic acid injections?

Hyaluronic acid usually comes in the form of an ‘ostenil’ injection, which contains sodium hyaluronate (which occurs naturally in the body). These injections are essentially the process of synthetically adding more of a naturally occurring substance into the body. They help to restore the natural balance of this acid type in the body.

This form of injection therapy is particularly beneficial when used in conjunction with sports rehabilitation therapy.

We offer injection therapy through our qualified therapist, Katy. Please contact katy@injurymechanics.com for further information

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The role of hyaluronic acid in your joints

Hyaluronic acid acts as a form of lubrication for your joints, as well as a shock absorber. As we age, the natural production of hyaluronic acid slows, which is why arthritis often comes with age. When there is a lack of this acid in your joints, you’re likely to experience osteoarthritis, joint pain and stiffness, and a whole host of other issues.

That’s why it’s sometimes beneficial for us to administer hyaluronic acid through the form of injection, allowing your joints and body to experience those lubricating and shock absorbing properties.

How does hyaluronic acid help with pain?

Hyaluronic acid helps to reduce pain in the following ways:

Lubrication - Replenishing the fluid in your joints allows bones to move smoothly and freely again, reducing pain.
Shock absorption - The absorbing qualities of hyaluronic acid prevent further damage to cartilage and alleviates pain by decreasing impact.
Reduced friction - Lubrication reduces friction between the surfaces of your joints, which can be a massive source of pain, particularly for sufferers of osteoarthritis and similar conditions.
Blocking pain signals - Hyaluronic acid molecules can form a barrier around nerve endings in your joints, which significantly reduces pain.

How hyaluronic acid injections are administered

Hyaluronic acid injections must be administered directly into the affected joint, usually after a local anaesthetic injection to reduce discomfort and pain. Naturally, the procedure involves thoroughly cleaning the injection site before and after administering, and the site will sometimes be bandaged or covered following the injection.

Our expertly qualified injection therapist, Katy Washington, places the emphasis on comfort for each client, given that injection therapy can be a daunting prospect to many. Ensuring that you are comfortable and fully informed about every step of the procedure helps to reduce anxiety and alleviate tension.

Types of pain that can be managed with hyaluronic acid injections

Usually, hyaluronic acid injections are used to treat osteoarthritis related pain in a number of joints. Whilst not a cure for this condition, these injections can go a long way towards providing significant and lasting pain relief. Here is a list of many of the most common types of pain which can be managed with hyaluronic acid injections:

Knee pain - Injections improve mobility and restore lubrication/cushioning in your knee joints. This is beneficial for osteoarthritis-related pain, as well as injury related pain.
Hip pain - Osteoarthritis in the hip can cause friction as a result of a lack of fluid in the joint. Injections can increase the amount of fluid, reducing friction and therefore pain.
Shoulder pain - Similar to hip pain, injections can reduce stiffness and increase cushioning in the shoulder joints.
Hand, elbow, wrist pain
Back pain - In some cases, hyaluronic acid injections can be used to manage bain in the facet spinal joints, particularly in patients who don’t respond to other treatments, such as sports massage therapy.

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Benefits of hyaluronic acid injections for pain

There are a number of benefits associated with using hyaluronic acid injections for pain relief:

Significant pain relief - Increasing lubrication, reducing friction and increasing shock absorption are highly effective towards reducing pain.
Can be used indefinitely - It’s recommended that you wait at least 6 months in between injections, but they can last anywhere from 6 months to a year. Also, this form of therapy can be used indefinitely, provided you wait the 6 months in between each one. So, whilst it can’t cure joint related issues with hyaluronic acid injections, you can achieve long term pain relief.
Reduced pain and stiffness - Lowering pain and stiffness long term can be beneficial in increasing your capability for physical activity and exercise, especially when used in conjunction with other injury rehabilitation methods.
Compatibility with other treatments - Whether it’s pilates or sports rehabilitation, injection therapy is effective when used with other treatment methods.