Common Questions About Our Services

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about our sports injury treatments and services at Injury Hub.

Can a spinal disc when herniated go back in?
As a surgeon once said can toothpaste go back in the tube? This question refers to the nucleus (central jelly) leaking through the casing. It’s all down to the consistency of the jelly. If a patient is young and the outer ring heals then hydration of a disc can take place via the blood vessels supplying it. It’s important to know a spinal disc doesn’t leave the spine /vertebral bone it is attached to, it’s the central jelly that can migrate/diffuse through its casing and its important to note that this is also part of the normal aging process.
I’ve gotten smaller as I’ve aged.
As we get older the water in our spinal disc dehydrate, a condition known as spondylosis. If this occurs in several discs we are liable to lose a couple of centimeters / inches over time.
Should I ICE or HEAT my lower back?
Heat is very therapeutic and certainly feels nicer than ice. BUT if you have an acute spasm in your lower back and you’re finding it difficult to perform day to day tasks then ICE should be applied at regular intervals. Latest research suggest Ice should not be applied as its slows the healing process by stopping the body’s natural inflammatory process BUT, when you’re in agony and unable to function ICE will get you back on track quicker and a few days of icing won’t interrupted the healing process but will allow you to function. We’d recommend 10 minute intervals for 1 hour on and off. repeat this process 4-5 times a day. Lying on your back with your legs bent is the preferred position. A gel ice pack should be placed in the central lower back position.
Should I rest when suffering with back pain?
At the injury hub we recommend active rest. Meaning, every 20 minutes you should try walking for 5-10 minutes even if you are bent over and unable to fully straighten. Resting just prolongs the muscle spasm and chronicity of the problem.
What’s the best stretch for lower back pain?
This is a difficult question to answer or advise as there are multiple causes for back pain. For instance, you have a disc problem and someone on YouTube recommends a stretch that aids facet joint pain this could make the disc problem worse or vice versa. It’s always best to get diagnosed then a dedicated stretch and rehab program can be tailored to the individual.
Pilates or Yoga?
Both are good for core strengthening and mobilisation. Some yoga moves and some reformer Pilates moves can increase stress on the disc and spinal joints. If a patient is acute then we tend to advise Mat work / floor Pilates to work on building a foundation then slowly move on to reformer Pilates and yoga.
Pilates or Yoga?
Both are good for core strengthening and mobilisation. Some yoga moves and some reformer Pilates moves can increase stress on the disc and spinal joints. If a patient is acute then we tend to advise Mat work / floor Pilates to work on building a foundation then slowly move on to reformer Pilates and yoga.

Hip Pain

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about hip pain.

Do I need to change into shorts for a hip assessment?

Yes, ideally. Wearing loose shorts or leggings that can be rolled up allows us to examine your hip and surrounding structures clearly. This helps us assess posture, gait, and how your hip moves during testing.

Why does hip pain feel worse when sitting or after long walks?

Hip pain from labral tears, arthritis, or bursitis often worsens with prolonged sitting or repetitive loading. The joint can stiffen and inflamed tissues may become irritated, making the pain flare during or after activity.

Can you scan my hip during my first visit?

Yes. At The Injury Hub we can provide diagnostic ultrasound at your initial appointment. If an MRI is needed to investigate cartilage, labrum, or bone changes, we can arrange this quickly — often on the same day.

Will my hip arthritis keep getting worse?

Not always. Many people with arthritis on imaging remain relatively pain-free, and symptoms can often be managed effectively with strengthening, manual therapy, and activity modification. Joint replacement is only considered for more severe cases.

Are injections into the hip joint effective?

Yes, in selected cases. Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections can provide pain relief and improve mobility, particularly when rehabilitation alone is not enough. We use ultrasound to guide all injections for accuracy and safety.

Knee Pain

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about knee pain.

What should I wear for a knee assessment?

Loose shorts are best, so we can examine the knee from all sides and perform movement tests. If needed, we may also assess your hips and ankles, as they can contribute to knee pain.

Why does my knee hurt when going up and down stairs?

Stair pain is common in conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome, meniscus tears, or early arthritis. These activities place extra load on the knee joint, particularly the kneecap.

Can you scan my knee straight away?

Yes. We can carry out a diagnostic ultrasound at your first appointment. If we suspect ligament, meniscus, or cartilage damage that ultrasound cannot fully capture, we can arrange an MRI promptly.

Do I need surgery for a meniscus tear?

Not always. Many meniscus tears respond very well to rehabilitation and exercise. Surgery is usually only considered if you have persistent locking, catching, or pain that does not improve with conservative care.

Are steroid or gel injections safe for the knee?

Yes, when used selectively. Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation, while hyaluronic acid injections act as a lubricant and shock absorber. Both are delivered under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision.

Hand and Wrist Pain

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about hand and wrist pain.

Do I need to remove jewellery or watches for my appointment?

Yes. Removing rings, bracelets, or watches makes it easier for us to examine and scan the hand and wrist without restriction.

Why do I feel tingling or numbness in my hand at night?

This is often a sign of nerve compression, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms are commonly worse at night because of wrist positioning during sleep.

Can ultrasound detect small wrist injuries?

Absolutely. Ultrasound is excellent for assessing tendons, nerves, and joint swelling in real time. If a more detailed view of cartilage, bone, or ligaments is needed, an MRI can be arranged quickly.

Will I always need surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Not necessarily. Many patients respond well to activity modification, splints, and guided injections. Surgery is usually reserved for more severe or persistent cases.

Are injections into the wrist painful?

They can be uncomfortable, but with ultrasound guidance we can target the exact structure causing pain while keeping discomfort to a minimum. Most patients tolerate the procedure very well.

Elbow Pain

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about elbow pain.

What should I wear for an elbow assessment?

A short-sleeve T-shirt is ideal so that we can fully access the elbow and surrounding muscles for examination and scanning.

Why does my elbow hurt when gripping or lifting?

This is often caused by tendinopathy of the common extensor or flexor tendons, commonly known as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. These conditions are linked to overload and repetitive strain.

Can you scan tendons around the elbow during my first visit?

Yes. Ultrasound is excellent for showing tendon thickening, tears, or inflammation, and it can also assess nerves around the elbow.

Do steroid injections cure tennis elbow?

Steroid injections can provide short-term relief but are not considered a long-term cure. Progressive loading and strengthening remain the most effective long-term treatments.

What other treatments are available?

We offer shockwave therapy, TECAR therapy, manual therapy, and targeted rehabilitation programmes to restore strength and function. In resistant cases, regenerative injections such as PRP may be discussed.

Ankle Pain

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about ankle pain.

Should I bring trainers to my ankle assessment?

Yes. Trainers or your usual footwear help us assess gait and identify any biomechanical issues contributing to ankle pain.

Why does my ankle swell after activity?

Swelling often indicates joint irritation, ligament sprain, or tendon overload. Persistent swelling after activity is a sign that assessment and management are needed.

Can I have my ankle scanned straight away?

Yes. Ultrasound can show ligament injuries, tendon pathology, and joint swelling in real time. For complex fractures or cartilage injuries, MRI or X-ray may be arranged.

Do ankle sprains always need physiotherapy?

Yes. Even mild sprains benefit from guided rehabilitation to restore strength, balance, and stability. Without it, the risk of recurrent sprains and long-term weakness is higher.

Are injections useful for ankle pain?

They can be. Corticosteroid injections may help reduce joint inflammation, while prolotherapy or PRP can support tendon healing. All injections are performed under ultrasound guidance for accuracy.

Foot Pain

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about foot pain.

Do I need to be barefoot for a foot assessment?

Yes. Being barefoot allows us to examine your foot mechanics, arches, and movement patterns during assessment.

Why is my heel sore first thing in the morning?

This is a classic symptom of plantar fasciitis, where the thick band of tissue under the foot becomes irritated. Pain is often worse on the first steps after rest.

Can ultrasound help diagnose foot pain?

Yes. Ultrasound is excellent for detecting plantar fasciitis, tendon problems, Morton’s neuroma, and joint inflammation.

Will I need orthotics for foot pain?

Not always. Some patients benefit from orthotics, but others improve with strengthening, stretching, and load management. Orthotics are only recommended when clearly beneficial.

What treatments are available for stubborn foot pain?

Options include manual therapy, shockwave, TECAR therapy, targeted rehabilitation, and where appropriate, ultrasound-guided injections. For persistent problems, referral for MRI or podiatry input may be considered.