Orthopedic Injection Therapies in Connecticut

Hyaluronic Acid Gel Injections

What Are Hyaluronic Acid Injections? Hyaluronic acid injections, also known as viscosupplementation, restore cushioning and lubrication to arthritic joints. This gel-like substance occurs naturally in healthy joint fluid, acting as a shock absorber and lubricant. When injected directly into the joint, it supplements depleted hyaluronic acid, improving mobility and reducing bone-on-bone friction. Conditions Treated with Hyaluronic Acid Injections These injections are particularly effective for osteoarthritis, especially in the knee, hip, and shoulder. Patients who haven’t responded adequately to physical therapy, oral medications, or lifestyle modifications often find significant relief with hyaluronic acid therapy. This treatment can delay or eliminate the need for joint replacement surgery in many cases. Common conditions treated: 

• Knee osteoarthritis
• Hip osteoarthritis
• Shoulder arthritis
• Degenerative joint disease

• Minimally invasive, in-office procedure
• Restores natural joint lubrication
• Can delay or reduce the need for joint replacement
• Relief often lasts several months per treatment cycle

Cortisone Injections

What Are Cortisone Shots? Cortisone injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory corticosteroids directly to inflamed joints, tendons, or bursae. These injections work quickly to reduce swelling and pain by suppressing the immune response in the affected area. The effects typically begin within 24-48 hours and can last from several weeks to several months. Conditions Treated with Cortisone Injections Cortisone shots are among the most versatile orthopedic treatments, addressing acute flare-ups and chronic inflammatory conditions throughout the body. From tennis elbow to frozen shoulder, these injections provide rapid relief when inflammation is the primary pain driver. Common conditions treated: 

• Bursitis (shoulder, hip, elbow)
• Tendinitis and tendinosis
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Rotator cuff inflammation
• Knee pain and arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Trigger finger
• Plantar fasciitis
• Arthritis in multiple joints

• Fast-acting relief, often within 24-48 hours
• Quick, in-office treatment with minimal downtime
• Effective for a wide range of inflammatory conditions
• Can reduce reliance on oral anti-inflammatory medication

Spinal Epidural Steroid Injections

What Are Epidural Steroid Injections? Epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. This targeted approach reduces inflammation and swelling around compressed or irritated nerves, providing relief from radiating pain, numbness, and weakness. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance for precise placement. Conditions Treated with Epidural Steroid Injections These injections are specifically designed for spine-related nerve pain that radiates into the arms or legs. When herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative changes compress spinal nerves, epidural injections can provide significant relief and improve function. Common conditions treated:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Sciatica (lumbar radiculopathy)
• Cervical radiculopathy (neck pain radiating to arms)
• Degenerative disc disease
• Post-laminectomy syndrome
• Spondylolisthesis

• Precisely guided placement using fluoroscopic imaging
• Targets nerve-related pain at its source
• Can reduce or delay the need for spine surgery
• Often improves function alongside pain relief

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

What Is PRP Therapy? Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy harnesses your body’s own healing mechanisms to repair damaged tissues. A small sample of your blood is processed to concentrate platelets—cells rich in growth factors that promote tissue regeneration. This concentrated plasma is then injected into injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, or joints, accelerating natural healing and reducing chronic pain. PRP is particularly effective for chronic tendon injuries and soft tissue damage that hasn’t responded to conservative treatment. Unlike cortisone, which reduces inflammation, PRP actively promotes tissue repair and regeneration, making it ideal for degenerative conditions and sports injuries. Common conditions treated:

• Chronic tendinitis (Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff)
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Plantar fasciitis
• Ligament sprains and tears
• Muscle strains and tears
• Early-stage osteoarthritis
• Meniscus tears
• Labral tears

• Uses your body’s own healing cells — no foreign substances
• Minimally invasive with a fast recovery time
• Promotes tissue regeneration, not just symptom relief
• Well-suited for active patients and sports-related injuries

Choosing the Right Injection Therapy

The most effective treatment depends on your specific diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment goals. During your consultation, our orthopedic specialists will evaluate your condition, review imaging studies, and discuss which injection therapy offers the best potential for relief and recovery.

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Contact Connecticut Orthopedics to schedule a consultation and learn which injection therapy is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these injection therapies painful? Most patients experience only mild, brief discomfort during the injection. Your care team will discuss options to minimize discomfort based on the specific treatment. How many treatments will I need? This varies by therapy and condition. Cortisone and hyaluronic acid injections may be given periodically over time, while PRP typically involves a short series of sessions. Your provider will recommend a plan based on your diagnosis. How soon will I feel relief? Cortisone injections often provide relief within 24-48 hours, while PRP and hyaluronic acid therapies may take a few weeks as the body responds and heals. Are these injections covered by insurance? Coverage varies by treatment, provider, and insurance plan. Our team can help verify your benefits before treatment begins. Do these injections replace the need for surgery? For many patients, injection therapies provide significant relief and can delay or eliminate the need for surgery. Your orthopedic specialist will let you know whether injections are an appropriate first step for your condition.