A naturally-occurring fluid, replenished.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in healthy joints. It lubricates cartilage and absorbs shock. In osteoarthritic joints, levels decline over time — making movement stiffer and more painful.
A HA injection replaces some of that lost fluid directly into the affected joint, restoring lubrication and reducing pain. The benefit often lasts several months — and can last longer than six months when it works well. It’s not a cure for arthritis — it’s a window in which rehabilitation can work harder. It doesn’t work for everyone, and we’ll be honest about that up front.
A shared decision, not a hard sell.
Whether HA is right for you is a shared decision — built around your own ideas, concerns and expectations. We’ll talk it through properly, so you feel genuinely listened to. It tends to suit patients when:
- Pain is limiting daily activity despite a good rehab plan.
- Imaging or clinical examination confirms osteoarthritic change in a target joint.
- You’re not ready for, or not a candidate for, joint replacement.
There’s no single right order. Some patients choose HA before rehab, to reduce pain and improve how much load the joint can tolerate; others use it once conservative care has plateaued. If your case doesn’t fit, we’ll say so — we’ve turned away more HA enquiries than we’ve accepted.
Knees, shoulders and more.
HA injections are offered for the:
- Knees, shoulders, elbows and ankles (large joints).
- Thumbs and great (big) toes (small joints).
Hips aren’t part of this service — hip osteoarthritis requires an ultrasound-guided injection performed by a specialist, so we’ll point you in the right direction instead.
The session, plainly.
The injection itself takes a few minutes. It’s placed using anatomy-guided technique — based on detailed anatomical training, not ultrasound. Most people feel a brief pressure rather than sharp pain. A short rest follows, then you go home.
HA is typically given as a single injection, thanks to a high concentration of sodium hyaluronate — so there’s usually no need for a course. Repeat injections can be given later if symptoms return. And unlike steroid injections, there are no steroid-related risks such as bone thinning or effects on blood sugar. You can usually drive home and return to most activity within 24 hours, though we ask you to skip heavy loading for 48 hours.
Honest pricing, no bundles.
Pricing depends on the joint treated:
- £295 — a large joint (knee, shoulder, ankle or elbow).
- £245 — a smaller joint (thumb or great toe; cheaper as it uses smaller ampoules).
- £495 — two large joints in one visit.
- £445 — two small joints in one visit.
Each price includes the HA product and a follow-up review. Insurance often covers it — we’ll help you check. We don’t bundle HA with other services or push it as part of a package. If physiotherapy alone is enough, we’ll say so.
