Injection therapy — Cardiff & South Wales.
Over 1,000 ultrasound-guided injections every year, performed by consultant radiologists with specialist MSK expertise. Steroid, hyaluronic acid, PRP, Arthrosamid and more — all-inclusive pricing from £350. Most appointments within 48 hours.
Why patients choose Acorn
- ✓1,000+ injections per year — volume builds judgement
- ✓All ultrasound-guided — no 'blind' injections
- ✓Consultant radiologist, not delegated
- ✓Same-visit scan + injection where appropriate
- ✓HIW regulated · 4.9 ★ from 376 reviews
Our Guided Injections
All injections include ultrasound guidance, consultant consultation, the procedure, sterile equipment, written report and aftercare advice. Prices are all-inclusive — no hidden fees.
Steroid (Cortisone) Injection
Fast-acting anti-inflammatory injection for painful, inflamed joints, tendons, bursae or nerves. The most widely-used injection for short to medium-term pain relief. Treats over 50 different body areas.
Arthrosamid® Injection
Single injection providing 2–3 years of relief for knee osteoarthritis. Non-resorbable polyacrylamide hydrogel that integrates with the joint capsule. Harley Street experience at our premier Penarth clinic. Begins with a free 10-minute Suitability Call.
Hyaluronic Acid Injection
Joint-lubricating gel for mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis. Restores cushioning and reduces friction. Often used in the knee but also for hip, shoulder, ankle and small joints. Steroid-free option for diabetics.
Shoulder Hydrodilatation
Specialist injection of fluid + steroid into the shoulder capsule under ultrasound. The gold-standard non-surgical treatment for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Restores range of motion within weeks.
Shoulder Barbotage
Ultrasound-guided technique to break up and remove calcium deposits in the rotator cuff. Treats calcific tendinitis — sharp, severe shoulder pain caused by calcium build-up. Often resolves the condition definitively.
High-Volume Achilles Injection
Specialist injection for chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. Breaks up the small new blood vessels and nerves that drive pain in chronic tendon problems. Allows rehab to progress.
Nerve Block Injection
Targeted local anaesthetic + steroid injection around a specific nerve to interrupt pain signals. Examples include suprascapular nerve (shoulder), occipital nerve (headache), Morton's neuroma (foot).
Considering Arthrosamid®? Start with a free 10-minute call.
Arthrosamid® is a single injection providing 2-3+ years of relief for knee OA — many patients use it to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery. It's an investment (£2,700), so we always start with a free Suitability Call to make sure it's right for you.
- 10-minute video or phone call with our consultant
- Review your symptoms, scans, and history
- Honest answer on whether Arthrosamid is suitable
- No pressure, no obligation, completely free
If Arthrosamid is right for you, the procedure is £2,700 all-inclusive — one of the UK's lower price points for the same Harley-Street-level treatment.
For longer-lasting, regenerative solutions.
When steroid relief is short-lived, when you want to delay surgery, or when you're looking for treatments backed by growing evidence of cartilage and tendon regeneration.
PRP Injection (Arthrex ACP)
Platelet-Rich Plasma uses your own blood to deliver regenerative growth factors to damaged tendons, ligaments and early-stage osteoarthritis. Growing evidence supports its use in tendinopathy and joint preservation. Course of 3 injections.
PRP High-Dose (Arthrex ACP Max)
12× the platelet concentration of standard ACP, delivered in a single injection. Designed for more advanced osteoarthritis or chronic tendinopathy where a higher therapeutic dose may improve outcomes. Single visit.
Speak to a consultant first
If you're not sure which injection (or whether an injection at all) is the right next step, book a consultation with Dr Junaid. We'll review your diagnosis, discuss the realistic options, and recommend an honest plan — including no injection if that's the right answer.
Top conditions we treat with injections.
Each condition is matched to the right injection. Click any condition to book.
Not your condition? See all conditions we treat or call to discuss your case.
What makes our injection clinic different.
Always ultrasound-guided
Research shows blind (landmark-based) injections miss the target up to 30% of the time. We don't do blind. Every needle is tracked on live ultrasound from skin to target, so the medication goes exactly where it should.
Consultant radiologist
Your injection is performed by Dr Syed Junaid or Dr Huw Edwards — NHS consultant radiologists with specialist MSK expertise. Not delegated to a sonographer, technician, or visiting clinician. Meet our consultants.
Volume builds judgement
1,000+ injections a year means we've seen the unusual presentations, the tricky anatomy, the unexpected findings. Volume is the most reliable predictor of clinical judgement, and we have more of it than any newer clinic in South Wales.
Same-visit scan + injection
If your diagnostic ultrasound identifies something we can treat (bursitis, effusion, tendinopathy), we can usually inject the same visit. One appointment, one fee, one trip. Our ultrasound service.
Honest selection
We won't recommend an injection that's unlikely to help you. If a steroid is the wrong answer, we'll say so. If you're best off with physiotherapy, we'll say that. Our reputation depends on telling you the truth, not selling you a procedure.
Surgical follow-on if needed
When injection isn't the right answer or has run its course, we have a network of consultant surgeons in knee, hand, foot/ankle and other specialties who can take over. Continuity of care — seen by the same expert from consultation to follow-up.
When the right injection, in the right place, at the right time, changes everything.
Persistent joint, tendon or muscle pain doesn't have to mean months on a waiting list or major surgery. For most musculoskeletal conditions in South Wales, the fastest route from pain to function is a precisely-placed injection — and at Acorn, that's our most-performed treatment.
Our consultant radiologists deliver over 1,000 ultrasound-guided injections every year across the full range of indications: shoulder pain, knee osteoarthritis, tennis and golfer's elbow, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, hip bursitis, trochanteric pain, calcific tendinitis, Morton's neuroma, trigger finger, ganglion cysts, carpal tunnel symptoms and more.
Every injection is performed under direct ultrasound guidance — we see the needle going into exactly the right structure before we deliver the medication. This isn't optional or occasional; it's how we work. Research consistently shows that ultrasound-guided injections are significantly more accurate than landmark-based (blind) injections and produce better clinical outcomes.
From everyday pain to specialist conditions.
Over 1,000 ultrasound-guided injections every year across every major joint and soft-tissue indication. Click any condition to learn more.
Where does it hurt?
Find the right injection for your problem area. Each links to a dedicated page covering scan, diagnosis and treatment options.
From booking to better.
Book online
Pick your injection or speak to us if unsure. Most appointments within 48 hours.
Brief consultation
Review your problem with the consultant. Confirm the injection is right for you.
Ultrasound-guided injection
Live ultrasound shows the needle in exactly the right place. Procedure takes 10–15 minutes.
Aftercare & follow-up
Written report, aftercare advice and phone follow-up if needed. Most patients drive home.
Real patients, real results.
"Suffered from frozen shoulder for months — couldn't sleep. Hydrodilatation at Acorn changed everything in 2 weeks. Dr Junaid explained every step and was incredibly skilled. Wish I'd come here sooner."
"Tennis elbow that had ruined my golf for over a year — gone within a week of the steroid injection. Properly ultrasound-guided, properly explained. The price was reasonable for the result."
"Had knee pain for 5 years and was told replacement was my only option. Had Arthrosamid here and 18 months on I'm walking miles. Excellent service from booking to follow-up."
"I couldn't recommend more highly! The level of care and professionalism was outstanding. I was given an almost immediate appointment with clear guidance. Dr Syed conversed with me in a reassuring manner. I left with excellent aftercare advice. The next day I am completely pain free!"
"Excellent service. From a fantastic easy online booking service to the procedure itself — the doctor fed back the result directly to me. Very efficient and professional."
"After 8 months of heel pain and physio with no improvement, the ultrasound-guided steroid injection at Acorn was painless thanks to the ankle block, and I felt the difference within a week. Back to running now. Should have come straight here."
Injection therapy FAQs.
What is injection therapy?
Injection therapy uses targeted injections to treat painful joints, tendons, ligaments and soft tissues. At Acorn, all injections are ultrasound-guided and performed by consultant radiologists, ensuring the medication is delivered precisely to the target structure for maximum effect and minimum risk.
Common substances injected include corticosteroids (for inflammation), hyaluronic acid (for joint lubrication), platelet-rich plasma (PRP — for tendon and cartilage regeneration), and Arthrosamid (a hydrogel for long-lasting knee osteoarthritis relief).
What types of injections do you offer?
The full range, including:
- Steroid (Cortisone) — £350 — for inflammatory pain in joints, tendons and bursae
- Hyaluronic Acid — £399 — for osteoarthritis (steroid-free option for diabetics)
- High-Volume Achilles — £399 — for chronic Achilles tendinopathy
- Shoulder Hydrodilatation — £399 — for frozen shoulder
- Shoulder Barbotage — £399 — for calcific tendinitis
- PRP (Arthrex ACP) — £500 (course of 3) — for regenerative tendon and joint preservation
- PRP High-Dose (ACP Max) — £1,500 — single high-concentration injection
- Arthrosamid — £2,700 — long-lasting hydrogel for knee osteoarthritis
- Nerve Blocks — from £350 — for targeted nerve pain
All prices are all-inclusive (consultation, procedure, ultrasound, sterile equipment, written report and aftercare).
Are injections at Acorn ultrasound-guided?
Yes — all our joint and soft-tissue injections are performed under direct ultrasound guidance by consultant radiologists. This significantly improves accuracy compared with landmark-based ("blind") injections, which research shows can miss the target in up to 30% of cases.
Ultrasound guidance means we see the needle entering the exact target structure (bursa, joint, tendon sheath) in real time. The medication goes where it should, not where we're hoping.
How quickly will I feel relief?
It depends on the injection:
- Steroid: some improvement within 3–7 days, peak effect by 2 weeks. Typical relief lasts 3–6 months.
- Hyaluronic acid: gradual improvement over 4–6 weeks, relief 6–12 months.
- PRP: slower onset (4–6 weeks), often longer-lasting (6–12+ months).
- Arthrosamid: gradual improvement over 4–12 weeks, lasting 2–3+ years.
- Hydrodilatation (frozen shoulder): improved range of motion within 2–4 weeks.
Are injections painful?
Most patients describe injections as briefly uncomfortable rather than painful. We use local anaesthetic where appropriate and the ultrasound guidance allows us to inject precisely without exploration. The procedure typically takes 10–15 minutes from start to finish, with the injection itself usually taking less than a minute.
Some areas (the shoulder capsule for hydrodilatation, the AC joint, certain nerve blocks) are more sensitive than others. We'll always tell you what to expect.
Who performs the injections?
All injections at Acorn are performed by consultant radiologists with specialist MSK ultrasound expertise — primarily Dr Syed Junaid (Medical Director) and Dr Huw Edwards. Both have extensive NHS consultant experience alongside their work at Acorn.
Unlike some clinics, your injection is not delegated to a sonographer, nurse practitioner or visiting clinician. The consultant sees you, scans you, makes the decision, and performs the injection.
Do I need a referral for an injection?
For most injections, no referral is required — you can book online directly. Exceptions:
- PRP: a brief consultation or referral is required before booking, to confirm suitability.
- Arthrosamid: begins with a free 10-minute Suitability Call before booking the procedure.
If you have any doubt about whether an injection is right for you, our consultants can review your case in advance — either by phone or in a paid consultation.
Can I have a scan and an injection at the same visit?
Yes — this is one of Acorn's signature workflows. If a diagnostic ultrasound scan identifies a structure that would benefit from injection (e.g. shoulder bursitis, knee effusion, tendon problem), we can usually perform the injection in the same appointment.
This saves you a second visit, a second appointment fee, and weeks of waiting. Mention at booking that you'd like the option to inject if appropriate.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Yes — we accept Bupa, AXA Health, WPA, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna, Healix, Saga and Allianz for injection therapy. Self-pay rates are also competitive and transparent — the price you see is the price you pay.
If you have insurance, contact us with your insurer name and policy details and we'll guide you through pre-authorisation. Or fill out our insurance enquiry form.
What if the injection doesn't work?
Not every injection works for every patient. Realistic success rates depend on the diagnosis — typically 70–85% for steroid injections in straightforward indications, lower in advanced disease.
If you have a steroid injection and don't get adequate relief, we can discuss alternatives: a different injection type (hyaluronic acid, PRP, Arthrosamid for knee), nerve blocks, or referral to a surgical colleague. We are honest about expected outcomes and won't recommend a procedure unlikely to help you.
Are there side effects from injections?
Side effects are uncommon. They include:
- Brief soreness at the injection site (1–3 days — very common)
- Steroid 'flare': a temporary increase in pain before improvement (~5% of cases, resolves in 24–48 hours)
- Facial flushing (~3% — usually resolves in 24–48 hours)
- Sleep disturbance after steroid (1–3 days)
- Temporary blood sugar rise in diabetics (steroids only — we discuss alternatives if relevant)
- Infection: very rare (less than 1 in 10,000) because we use sterile technique throughout
- Skin discolouration or fat thinning at the site: rare with deep injections, more relevant for superficial ones
We discuss specific risks relevant to your injection at the time.
How often can I have steroid injections?
For most joints we recommend no more than 3 steroid injections per joint per year, with a minimum 3-month gap between injections.
If you need more frequent injections, that's usually a sign the steroid alone isn't the right long-term strategy. We'll discuss alternatives such as hyaluronic acid, PRP, Arthrosamid (for knee), or referral to a surgical opinion.
Where do you do the injections?
All injection procedures are performed at our flagship clinic: 13 Washington Buildings, Stanwell Road, Penarth, CF64 2AD — 10 minutes from Cardiff city centre. Free street parking. Accessible by train (Penarth station, 5-minute walk).
Our Cowbridge satellite clinic offers some consultations but most injection procedures are performed at Penarth where the dedicated ultrasound and procedure room is located.
Ready to stop the pain?
Most appointments within 48 hours. Ultrasound-guided. Consultant-performed. Insurance accepted.
Start with a £120 consultation.
We'll examine, scan if needed, and recommend the right treatment. If you book your injection on the same day, the £120 consultation fee is credited against the treatment cost.
Book a consultation