What is Musculoskeletal Injection Therapy?

Published on: Mar 01, 2023 / Last Updated on: Nov 17, 2023 / PAIN MANAGEMENT
What is Musculoskeletal Injection Therapy?

Did you know?
Musculoskeletal conditions affect approximately one of every two people in the United States over age 18, and about three out of every four above the age 65. They are the leading cause of physical disability and result in more trips to the physician’s office than any other type of condition, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Luckily, the vast majority of these conditions can be treated with musculoskeletal injections. Musculoskeletal injections are a form of treatment commonly used in primary care for various joint and muscle conditions. Injection therapy can provide both pain relief and improved functionality to patients suffering from musculoskeletal conditions. Keep reading to learn more about the types, uses, and benefits of injection therapy.

Musculoskeletal Injections: What are they and what are their uses?

Injection therapy has been the most common therapeutic approach in rheumatological practice for 60 years. Its efficacy has been proven time and time again by heaps of anecdotal evidence, but in terms of research and direct evidence, definitive studies have started coming out proving that musculoskeletal injections can provide effective treatment and pain relief. And when administered with proper technique and with appropriate candidates for treatment, the risk involved is incredibly low.

  • Viscosupplementation
    Viscosupplementation treatment is a type of therapy that involves injecting a special solution into the knee joint. This knee gel injection is made up of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance that is found in many joints, tissues, and organs throughout the body. Its purpose is to retain moisture and lubricate joints, tissues, and organs almost like a well-oiled machine.

    Those suffering from osteoarthritis have slightly lower levels of hyaluronic acid concentration. When administered to the knee joint, hyaluronic acid injections can help lubricate the joint and reduce friction, leading to reduced pain and improved joint function. However, viscosupplementation injections are not proven to work in every case. Despite this, the risks involved are extremely low and there has never been a case where it has worsened one's condition.

  • Corticosteroids
    Corticosteroids are a type of steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland. They play a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism and immune system. Injections of synthetic corticosteroids can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area by blocking the production of substances that cause inflammation.

    Corticosteroids have several benefits when it comes to managing musculoskeletal pain. The primary benefit is the reduction of inflammation, which can help to relieve pressure on joints and tendons, and also increase mobility. Recent studies also suggest that corticosteroids can inhibit the formation of prostaglandins, which are known to cause musculoskeletal pain.

  • Platelet-rich fibrin
    Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) injections are a autologous technique that uses the patient's platelets to promote natural healing. It works by taking a blood sample from the patient and then spinning it at low centrifugation. This separates the blood cells in the sample making the platelets and white blood cells easy to collect. This nutrient-rich mix of cells is then injected back into the targeted area.

    Platelet treatments are used in many fields, most commonly in the form of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. PRP and PRF are very similar treatments with only a few differences. PRP usually requires more blood drawn from the patient. It also requires an anticoagulant additive called acid citrate dextrose to prevent the blood from clotting. PRF requires less blood and has no additives, making the ingredients 100% natural. PRF can also produce a higher release of growth factors than PRP, so it is considered slightly more effective.

    Curious about the various injections for muscles and joints? Dive into our blog for a thorough understanding.

What types of conditions can Musculoskeletal Injections treat?

Some common conditions that may be treated with musculoskeletal injections include:

  • Inflammatory joint conditions: Injections can help reduce inflammation and manage symptoms such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis.

  • Osteoarthritis: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections may alleviate pain and improve joint function in individuals with osteoarthritis.

  • Tendinitis: Musculoskeletal injections can target inflamed tendons, relieving conditions like tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, or Achilles tendinitis.

  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs cushion joints, can be treated with strains or injuries.

  • Ligament injuries: Musculoskeletal injections can effectively manage the pain and injections to reduce pain and swelling.

  • Muscle strains: Injections may alleviate pain and inflammation associated with muscle inflammation caused by ligament injuries, such as those affecting the knee or ankle.

  • Trigger points: Trigger point injections can target specific muscle pain or tightness areas.

  • Joint injuries or instability: Injections may be part of the treatment plan for specific joint injuries or conditions that result in joint instability.

  • Spinal conditions: Epidural, facet, or sacroiliac injections manage spinal pain.

  • Chronic pain conditions: Musculoskeletal injections can help manage chronic pain like fibromyalgia.

What are the benefits of Injection Therapy?

patient receiving corticosteroid injection

1. Effective Pain Management

Musculoskeletal injections are proven to be an effective treatment that can provide fast-acting pain relief for many types of conditions. The primary benefits include their ability to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve joint mobility.

2. Lasting Effects

Given the variation of responses between individuals, the lasting efficacy of musculoskeletal injections is not definitive. However, a wealth of anecdotal evidence suggests that certain individuals can see lasting effects even over 6 months.

3. Practicality and Versatility

When OTC medicine can’t provide you with sufficient pain relief, musculoskeletal injections can provide an excellent alternative rather than resorting to other invasive/surgical procedures. Their practicality as an outpatient service along with their versatility in treating many different conditions makes musculoskeletal injections a more attractive option than the others.

4. Great Complementary Treatment for Recovery

With more serious injuries, patients will require more significant treatment for complete recovery. But, musculoskeletal injections are still a great complementary treatment for those dealing with serious injuries and extreme pain, whether it be for reducing the pain enough to do physical therapy or acting as a substitute until one can get surgery.

Please read our blog to learn more about how musculoskeletal injection therapy can help improve your mobility.

What are some alternative treatment options?

The risks associated with injection therapy are very low, but the chances of adverse effects are never zero. M Health and Beauty offers several other services for pain management including therapeutic botox and non-surgical musculoskeletal care. Some other low-risk treatment options include standard OTC pain relief medicine or extracorporeal shockwave therapy.

Finding a provider near you

For an excellent outpatient service providing musculoskeletal injections, consider M Health and Beauty for your next visit. To book an appointment, call our clinic to speak with one of our friendly customer care specialists.