Cortisone Injections.

Key Information

  • Cortisone injections are a commonly used treatment to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain affecting joints, tendons, bursae and the spine. At our Perth and Bunbury pain management clinics, all cortisone injections are performed by an experienced Interventional Radiologist with more than 20 years of experience using medical imaging guidance to assist with accurate needle placement.

    Image-guided cortisone injections may be recommended when pain is affecting your daily activities, limiting movement or when other conservative treatments such as rest, physiotherapy or medication have not provided sufficient relief.

    Our aim is to provide accurate diagnosis, targeted treatment and personalised care while working closely with your referring doctor and other healthcare providers.

  • Cortisone is a corticosteroid medication that helps reduce inflammation within the body. When inflammation develops around a joint, tendon, nerve or bursa, it can cause pain, swelling and reduced movement.

    A cortisone injection delivers a small amount of corticosteroid medication directly to the affected area. In many cases, the injection also contains a local anaesthetic to provide temporary pain relief immediately after the procedure.

    Because the medication is delivered directly to the source of inflammation, it may help reduce symptoms while allowing patients to participate more comfortably in rehabilitation and exercise programs recommended by their healthcare team.

    It is important to note that cortisone injections do not cure the underlying condition, but they may assist in managing pain and inflammation for some patients.

  • Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or irritation. While inflammation is part of the healing process, ongoing inflammation can become painful and restrict movement.

    Corticosteroid medication works by reducing the inflammatory response within the affected tissue. This may help:

    • Reduce pain

    • Decrease swelling and inflammation

    • Improve joint or tendon movement

    • Assist participation in physiotherapy or rehabilitation

    • Improve day-to-day function for some patients

    The degree and duration of symptom relief varies between individuals and depends on the underlying condition being treated.

  • Conditions That May Be Treated

    Image-guided cortisone injections may be considered for a range of musculoskeletal and spinal conditions, including:

    Joint Pain

    • Shoulder pain

    • Hip pain

    • Knee pain

    • Ankle pain

    • Wrist pain

    • Elbow pain

    • Thumb and finger joint pain

    Tendon and Soft Tissue Conditions

    • Rotator cuff tendinopathy

    • Tennis elbow

    • Golfer's elbow

    • Trigger finger

    • De Quervain's tenosynovitis

    • Achilles tendinopathy (in selected circumstances)

    • Greater trochanteric pain syndrome

    Bursitis

    • Shoulder bursitis

    • Hip bursitis

    • Knee bursitis

    • Heel bursitis

    Spine and Nerve Pain

    • Facet joint pain

    • Sacroiliac joint pain

    • Nerve root irritation

    • Selected causes of neck and back pain

    Your specialist will assess your symptoms, medical history and imaging to determine whether a cortisone injection is an appropriate treatment option.

    • Patients will be seen for a consultation prior to their injection.

    • Patients are to advise us if they are taking any medications ESPECIALLY those that thin the blood such as warfarin or aspirin.

    • Patients are required to bring all previous imaging at the time of consultation and injection procedures.

    • On the day of your appointment, please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area.

  • Most patients are able to return home shortly after the procedure.

    You may be advised to:

    • Rest the treated area for 24 to 48 hours.

    • Avoid strenuous exercise for one to two days.

    • Apply an ice pack if mild discomfort develops.

    • Continue with physiotherapy or rehabilitation as recommended.

    Some patients experience temporary soreness for the first day or two after the injection before improvement occurs.

    The time taken for cortisone to begin working varies between individuals. Some people notice improvement within several days, while for others it may take up to one or two weeks.

  • Our cortisone injections are performed by an experienced Interventional Radiologist with over 20 years of experience in image-guided procedures.

    We provide:

    • Image-guided cortisone injections.

    • Short wait times.

    • Individual assessment and treatment planning.

    • Evidence-based pain management.

    • Collaborative care with your GP, specialist and allied health providers.

    • A patient-focused approach in a professional clinical environment.

    • Perth (Wembley) and Bunbury clinics.

    To book, simply call (08) 9284 2900 or email admin@virc.com.au or bunbury@virc.com.au

FAQs

  • The duration of symptom relief varies considerably between individuals and depends on the condition being treated. Some people experience relief lasting weeks or months, while others may have a different response.

  • Most patients tolerate the procedure well. A local anaesthetic is commonly used to reduce discomfort during the injection.

  • The number and frequency of injections depends on your condition, treatment response and individual circumstances. Your doctor will discuss an appropriate treatment plan with you.

  • A referral from your GP or specialist is required for assessment and treatment.

“I have visited this clinic numerous times in Dec 2025 and Jan 2026, and so happy with the friendliness of all staff members and the professionalism & communication of the doctor administering my treatments!
Highly recommend this clinic for pain management!”

— Kristine, 2026

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