At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we believe in providing personalized, effective solutions for joint and musculoskeletal pain, without always turning to surgery first. One of the most versatile tools we offer in our comprehensive care approach is orthopedic injections.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic joint pain, arthritis, or a sports injury, these minimally invasive treatments can offer real, lasting relief.
What Are Orthopedic Injections?
Orthopedic injections are targeted treatments that deliver medication directly to the source of pain or inflammation, typically a joint, tendon, or soft tissue. Unlike oral medications that circulate throughout your whole body, injections focus on the affected area, often providing faster and more effective relief.
Many of our patients turn to injections when rest, physical therapy, or medications haven’t provided enough improvement. They’re an excellent option for reducing pain, restoring function, and helping you move more freely again.
Why Consider Orthopedic Injections?
Orthopedic injections can help:
- Reduce inflammation and swelling
- Relieve joint and soft tissue pain
- Improve mobility and range of motion
- Delay or potentially avoid the need for surgery
They’re often part of a larger treatment plan that may include physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and regenerative options. Our goal is always to restore your function and quality of life with the least invasive methods possible.
Types of Orthopedic Injections We Offer
At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we tailor every treatment to your unique needs. Here are some of the most common injection therapies we provide:
Corticosteroid Injections
These are anti-inflammatory injections commonly used for:
- Arthritis (knee, shoulder, hip, etc.)
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
They work by quickly reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Relief can last from weeks to several months, depending on the condition.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Viscosupplementation)
Often recommended for knee osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid acts like a lubricant and shock absorber inside the joint. These injections can:
- Improve joint movement
- Reduce stiffness
- Provide long-lasting comfort
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
PRP uses components of your own blood (specifically, concentrated platelets) to stimulate healing in injured tissues. PRP is often used for:
- Tendon injuries
- Ligament strains
- Mild to moderate osteoarthritis
This regenerative approach is especially popular among active patients and athletes.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy uses the body’s own regenerative cells to repair or replace damaged tissues, supporting healing where traditional treatments may not be effective. Stem cell therapy is often used for:
- Knee, hip, and shoulder arthritis or joint pain
- Cartilage damage or degeneration
- Chronic tendon injuries (e.g., Achilles, patellar tendon)
What to Expect During Your Injection Appointment
We understand that any procedure can bring questions or concerns, which is why we take the time to walk you through each step. During your visit, your provider will evaluate your symptoms and may review imaging to determine the best injection for your condition. The treatment area will be cleaned and numbed to minimize discomfort.
Using either anatomical landmarks or ultrasound technology, we’ll carefully guide the injection to the exact location of inflammation or damage. Most injections take only a few minutes, and patients are often able to return to their normal activities the same day. Some mild soreness afterward is possible, but this typically resolves quickly. We’ll provide you with personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Are Orthopedic Injections Right for You?
Orthopedic injections may be an excellent choice if you’re experiencing ongoing joint pain, stiffness, or inflammation that hasn’t improved with other treatments. They are especially effective for conditions such as osteoarthritis, shoulder impingement, tendonitis, bursitis, and soft tissue injuries.
Our team will take a full medical history, perform a physical exam, and review imaging if needed to determine whether injections are an appropriate part of your treatment plan. Every case is different, and we’re here to help you understand your options and make the best choice for your lifestyle and activity level.
Schedule a Consultation
If joint pain or inflammation is limiting your life, it may be time to explore the benefits of orthopedic injections. At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we’re here to help you take the next step toward relief. Schedule a consultation with our team in Charlottesville, VA, to find out whether this minimally invasive treatment could be right for you.
Our Providers
The providers at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center are highly skilled and experienced in their respective specialties.
Patient Resources
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Complimentary Movement Screening
Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center offers complimentary movement screenings to assess your movement, identify imbalances, and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re active, recovering, or want to move better, our expert phsycial therapists provide personalized recommendations for your long-term mobility and wellness.
Contact UsWhat Our Patients Say
I was impressed with the quality of service and the caring people throughout the visit, from the receptionist to the doctor seen. They truly care and are honest and professional.
I had a great experience concerning this appointment. I was given an appointment either the day I phoned in or following. This is most unusual and most beneficial to the patient. My concerns were acknowledged by the practitioner and exam was pain free with managed results. A practitioner explained and I was given all information needed. My visit was overall pain free with treatment. Thank-you Charlottesville Orthopedics!
My mom recommended Dr. Nielsen as she had a very good experience with this office and I am so glad she did. I have been seeing Dr. Nielsen and Natalie Smith for quite a few years now and have always found them to be very attentive and not rushed. The office and nursing staff (Hi Dakota!) are friendly and helpful. I definitely recommend Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center!!
